Managing Governance and Capability Reconfiguration to Professionalize Scientific Associations: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract: Scientific associations, traditionally grounded in voluntary academic governance, increasingly confront pressures that challenge the adequacy of their historical structures. Growing stakeholder expectations, the expansion of professional roles in the scientific community, digital transformation and new forms of societal engagement require associations to develop more formalized, professionally coordinated organizational models. Yet the professionalization of scientific associations remains theoretically underexplored. This conceptual article develops an integrated framework explaining how such associations transition from academically oriented volunteer structures to hybrid, professionally supported organizations. Drawing on institutional theory, organizational design, sociology of professions and capability-based perspectives, the framework identifies four interdependent mechanisms—strategic mission reframing, governance redesign, capability reconfiguration and institutional identity evolution—that collectively underpin professionalization. An integrated conceptual model is presented, highlighting the dynamic interactions among these mechanisms. The article contributes to research on hybrid organizing and nonprofit professionalization and offers association leaders a conceptual guide for navigating complex organizational transformations. Keywords: Scientific associations, scientific community, digital transformation. Title: Managing Governance and Capability Reconfiguration to Professionalize Scientific Associations: A Conceptual Framework Author: Anna Fiorentino International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026 Page No: 162-170 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 22-November-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17679711 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/managing-governance-and-capability-reconfiguration-to-professionalize-scientific-associations-a-conceptual-framework