2nd SME Conference International
March 15-16, 2017 LAHORE, PAKISTAN
CALL FOR PAPERS/PRESENTERS
The significance of SME sector in economic development has been recognized globally for its contribution to employment generation and poverty alleviation. That is why, policy makers in developed, as well as developing nations emphasize the need to strengthen SMEs as an engine for sustainable economic growth through fostering SME focused research.
There is also wide agreement that promoting such a culture invariably calls for collaboration of industry, academia, government, and development agencies. In fact, globally, think tanks play a critical role in highlighting issues and proposing recommendations for their redressal. However, in Pakistan, a culture of research has yet to gain the significance it merits. To promote this culture of research, specifically in the area of SMEs, the first National SME Conference was jointly organized by SMEDA and UMT on 25th May 2016 at Lahore, aiming to promote SME specific research in Pakistan.
The conference was unique as it particularly focused on “Contribution, Challenges and Prospects of SME Sector in Pakistan” hence attracting participants from Academia, International development Agencies, Government Organizations and Private Sector. An overwhelming response was received from academia, as around 50 research papers were contributed by 27 Universities across Pakistan. Renowned Scholars, Policy Makers, Development Practitioners and Entrepreneurs shared their views and experiences regarding SME development at the conference.
After the success of the 1st National SME Conference, the 2nd SME Conference is planned to be held on 15th -16th March 2017 in Lahore, Pakistan. This time, the conference aims to bring together International SME representative bodies from developed and developing countries, academia, government departments, international development agencies, financial institutions, large scale enterprises, and researchers. It will highlight the challenges and prospects of SME sector in Pakistan in light of international best practices, and furnish declarations for all stakeholders, in general; and policy makers in particular.
We welcome case studies, empirical and conceptual scholarly contributions related to SME Sector of Pakistan in the following thematic areas:
- Conducive Business Environment (Long Term Policy Framework, Fiscal Policy, Trade Policy, Legislation, Doing Business, Competitiveness, Level Playing Field etc.)
- Access to Finance (SME Financing, Leasing, Credit, Venture Capital, Angel Investment, SME Stock Exchanges etc.)
- Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development (Business Creation, Human Resource Development, Foreign Direct Investment, Cluster Development etc.)
- Local & International Market Development for SMEs (Integrating SMEs into Global Value Chains, Market Access, Trade Openness, Quality and Technology, Certifcations, Branding, Joint Ventures, Trade Agreements, CPEC etc.) Read more...
PAPER SUBMISSION, REVIEW PROCESS & ACCEPTANCE NOTICE
Authors can send empirical and conceptual papers. The papers should include Objectives, Data and Methods, Results, up to 6 key words, and Conclusions with signifcance. All papers will undergo double-blind review process and the notifcation of the acceptance will be served within 4 weeks after their submission.
PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITIES
Abstracts of all selected papers will be published in Conference Proceedings in online and hard-copy formats. With consent of authors, top 5 papers – based on reviewers’ evaluation – will be published in Volume 4, Issue 1 of SMEDA Research Journal (ISSN: 2220-7570)
BEST PAPER AWARD
Cash award, along with certifcate, will be given to 5 Best papers. All selected papers will be considered for best paper nomination, whereas final decision will be made based on Reviewer’s evaluation/score.
REGISTRATION AND PUBLICATION FEE
Participation in conference will be with prior registration. Registration and publication fee will be covered by Conference organizers and sponsors. Therefore, no fee will be charged from authors and participants of the conference. All participants will be provided conference material (proceedings, bags etc.) refreshments and lunch.
HOW TO SUBMIT PAPERS
https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=2ndsmeconference
OR
[email protected]
INTERNATIONAL PRESENTERS/SPEAKERS
In order to join the conference as a presenter/speaker, International presenters and speakers are requested to send their interest along with abstract of the presentation/write up to Conference managers at: [email protected] and [email protected]
VENUE:
Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore Pakistan
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
30th December 2016
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
31st January 2017