International Conference on Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Project Description

The diversity of approaches to entrepreneurship is remarkable, ranging from establishing new businesses to driving innovation and value creation. Whatever its manifestation, entrepreneurship requires action and the active participation of individuals who assume the role of entrepreneurs. Traditionally, researchers have limited entrepreneurship studies, focusing on a stereotypical portrayal of entrepreneurs. However, there is a growing interest in exploring diverse groups of unconventional entrepreneurs, including immigrants, people with physical or cognitive disabilities, the elderly, sexual dissidents, ethnic and religious minorities, ex-convicts, and refugees, among others. These groups of entrepreneurs have been systematically ignored or stigmatized despite their innovative potential and ability to generate significant social and economic change in their communities.

Studying entrepreneurship led by these unconventional groups is essential in a world that increasingly values inclusion and equity. They represent a valuable source of innovation and resilience and are fundamental for developing public policies and support programs that foster inclusive entrepreneurship, boost economic growth, and equal opportunities.

Similarly, the study of entrepreneurship of unconventional groups challenges and enriches our classical conceptions of what constitutes entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial success, forcing us to reconsider our assumptions about entrepreneurship and recognize entrepreneurial potential in diverse and often underestimated contexts.

To delve deeper into this relevant topic, we cordially invite you to present your research, reflections, and experiences at the First International Conference on Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This conference will provide a platform to discuss and share knowledge on how to promote inclusive entrepreneurship and overcome the barriers faced by non-conventional entrepreneurs. We can work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all entrepreneurs.

Objectives

1. Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and best practices among researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and professionals.
2. Collaboration: Promote networking and collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen the inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem.
3. New Perspectives: Generate new insights to inform academic research, entrepreneurial practices, and policy formulation.
4. Concrete Actions: Inspire actions to support and promote entrepreneurship led by non-conventional groups.

Event Structure

• Keynote Speeches: Renowned senior speakers will present on various topics related to inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Parallel Sessions: Multiple sessions covering topics such as the challenges and opportunities of inclusive entrepreneurship, ecosystem strengthening, successful inclusive entrepreneurship, local economic development, women’s empowerment, economic development in indigenous communities, migrant and refugee entrepreneurship, racial and ethnic equity, and technological innovation.
• Panel Discussions: Interactive panels where experts will discuss specific issues and share insights.
• Workshops: Practical workshops aimed at young researchers and practitioners.
• Research Presentations: Presentation of academic journals and research findings.

Themes

1. Challenges and Opportunities in Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Addressing access to resources, discrimination, lack of support networks, stigmatization, and technological gaps.
2. Strengthening the Ecosystem: Effective strategies for supporting disadvantaged groups, including policy gaps and coordination among ecosystem actors.
3. Success Factors: Identifying key factors and characteristics that contribute to the success of entrepreneurship among disadvantaged groups.
4. Local Economic Development: The role of inclusive entrepreneurship in social inclusion and economic development in marginalized communities.
5. Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Designing effective programs and policies to support women entrepreneurs.
6. Indigenous Economic Development: Balancing cultural preservation with economic integration.
7. Migrant and Refugee Entrepreneurship: Facilitating integration through entrepreneurship, addressing legal and social barriers.
8. Racial and Ethnic Equity: Overcoming structural barriers to promote racial and ethnic equity in entrepreneurship.
9. Technological Innovation: Exploring the potential of technological innovation to promote inclusion and develop an inclusive innovation ecosystem.

Program Highlights

• Day 1: Registration, parallel sessions on various topics, keynote speech, panel discussion, and a workshop.
• Day 2: Continued registration, parallel sessions, keynote speech, panel discussion, and a workshop.
• Day 3: Final parallel sessions, keynote speech, panel discussion, closing session with conclusions and recommendations, and the closing ceremony.

Networking and Collaboration

Attending CIEII 2024 will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the current trends and challenges in inclusive entrepreneurship, along with practical strategies and insights to foster innovation and inclusivity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The YSI community can expect the following benefits:

• Engage with a worldwide network of young scholars, researchers, and practitioners who are passionate about inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Access collaborative projects, research partnerships, and joint initiatives that can amplify the impact of your work.
• Benefit from shared resources, including databases, research tools, and publications that support inclusive entrepreneurship research and practice.
• Receive mentorship from experienced researchers and professionals in the field, providing guidance and support for your academic and entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Participate in workshops, seminars, and training sessions aimed at enhancing your skills and knowledge in inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Showcase your research and projects to a global audience, gaining visibility and recognition within the academic and professional communities.
• Be part of an inclusive and supportive community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in entrepreneurship.
• Dedicated sessions for PhD students and early career scholars, with a distinct application and selection process to ensure they receive the attention and recognition necessary to advance their research careers.
• Facilitate direct interaction between young scholars and senior researchers through targeted mentoring programs and networking sessions.
• Offer subsidized travel and accommodation for young scholars and waive registration fees to make the conference more accessible, planning to subsidize up to 8 young scholars from the YSI community.
• Organize workshops and training sessions tailored to the needs of young scholars, focusing on research techniques and professional development.
• Highlight the contributions of young scholars within the main conference program to ensure their visibility and recognition.