Best Practices Exchange

IMPORTANCE OF INNOVATION

This Forum aims to promote a space for exchange, debate, and construction of knowledge related to the problem of productive development and of SMEs in particular. This Forum is a great opportunity for academics, entrepreneurs, civil servants, support agents and other actors in the business ecosystem to come together and reflect on shared experiences. For this reason, the presentation of research papers and experiences that will contribute to providing answers to the specific problems of SMEs and proposals that lead to promoting their development are accepted.

 

The SME World Forum will target five key segments: Private Sector Companies, Startups, Policy Sector, Academic Sector, Education Sector, and Tourism & Hospitality. With a special dedicates sessions on youth and women entrepreneurship:

 

TOPICS

1. Private Sector Companies

4. Academic Sector

2. Startups

5. Education Sector

3. Policy Sector

6. Tourism & Hospitality

IMPORTANT DATES

Friday, August 4, 2023

Opening of the system for uploading abstracts of research papers, experiences and posters through the SMEWORLDFORUM.org website.

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Deadline for uploading abstracts of research papers, experiences, and posters through the SMEWORLDFORUM.COM website

Monday, October 9, 2023

Deadline for notification of acceptance of abstracts of research papers, experiences and posters. Notification of the final modality of presentation assigned to each work.

FORMS OF PARTICIPATION

Research Work

Advanced or completed research papers are included. They should include a theoretical foundation, a set of results and conclusions.

Theoretical-Methodological Discussions

Problematization work on methodological aspects, theoretical frameworks, or critical reviews of the state of the art on a specific problem.

Experience

Cases of experience or best practices of firms, networks, or institutions that show relevant results for the development and sustainability of SMEs.

JOIN US

Forum Theme and Objectives:

The SME World Forum’s inaugural will reunite some of the most creative and emphatic world leaders of the business world, policy, academic and youth. The Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the main lead and will be the primary host, and this World Forum will take place from November 13 to November 16, 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Host and Venue:

The Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan is honored to host this prestigious event. The World Forum will be held from November 13 to November 16, 2023. ICSB is partnering with the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

 
The SME World Forum will target five key segments: Private Sector Companies, Startups, Policy Sector, Academic Sector, Education Sector, and Tourism & Hospitality. With a special dedicates sessions on youth and women entrepreneurship:
 

Why Attend form Private Sector?

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers.
  • Cutting-edge Insights: Gain access to the latest trends, strategies, and opportunities shaping the SME landscape.
  • Influence and Collaboration: Play an active role in shaping policies and best practices that impact the SME ecosystem globally.

Why Attend form Policy Sector?

  • Influence Policy Direction: Engage in critical dialogues with SME leaders, industry experts, and academics, contributing to the formulation of policies that foster small and medium enterprise growth, innovation, and sustainability.
  • Collaborate Across Sectors: Build partnerships with the private sector, educators, and legislators, promoting integrated approaches that align public policy with industry needs and societal goals, enhancing the effectiveness of regulations and interventions.
  • Access Global Perspectives: Gain insights from international thought leaders and policymakers, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of global trends and challenges. This knowledge will inform more effective local and national policy decisions that can drive positive change in the SME landscape.

Why Attend form Academic Sector?

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with professionals across various fields, including business, policy, and technology, fostering a rich environment for innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration that can lead to new academic insights and breakthroughs.

  • Real-World Impact: Connect with practitioners in the SME sector to understand real-world challenges and opportunities, guiding research focus toward practical applications that can have tangible impacts on small and medium-sized enterprises.

  • Global Perspectives on SMEs: Participate in discussions and workshops led by international experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of global trends, regional variations, and cultural influences on SMEs, enriching your research and teaching methods with diverse and inclusive perspectives

Why Attend as Tourism & Hospitality Expert:
  • Industry Insights and Trends: Discover the latest trends, technologies, and innovative practices shaping the tourism and hospitality industry. Gain insights into consumer behavior and preferences, sustainability initiatives, and the role of SMEs in driving economic recovery and growth.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and academics specializing in tourism and hospitality. Engage in meaningful conversations that can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and new business opportunities.
  • Skill Development and Knowledge Sharing: Attend workshops, seminars, and panel discussions led by experts in the field. Enhance your professional skills, learn about best practices, and contribute your own experiences and insights to shape the future of tourism and hospitality in a world increasingly influenced by SMEs.
Why Attend as Women & Youth:
  • Empowerment and Inclusion: Explore initiatives and strategies aimed at empowering women and youth in the business world. Understand how SMEs are providing platforms for gender equality and youth involvement, and learn how you can contribute to these efforts.

  • Entrepreneurial Development: Gain insights into entrepreneurial opportunities specifically tailored for women and young entrepreneurs. Learn from successful women and youth-led SMEs, and get inspired to launch or grow your own venture.

  • Networking with Like-minded Individuals: Connect with women and youth who are leading the way in various industries. Build a network that can offer support, mentorship, and collaboration, all vital for personal and professional growth.

  • Education and Skill Enhancement: Participate in workshops and training sessions designed to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to women and youth in business. Benefit from personalized learning paths that align with your career goals.

  • Voice and Impact: Have your voice heard on issues that directly impact women and youth in the business environment. Engage with policy-makers, industry leaders, and academics to contribute your perspective and potentially influence the policies and practices that shape the future for women and youth in SMEs.

 
  • The submission portal for the SME World Forum closes October 3rd, 2023 at 11:59 pm EDT.
  • Acceptance status will be announced on a rolling basis. 
  • Registration must be completed by October 15, 2023 at 11:59pm EDT. 
  • When you are ready to submit, you can do so by following this link.

On Wednesday evening, we are hosting a Gala to celebrate the SME World Forum Awards recipients.

  1. Best Research Paper Award Awarded to the best research paper presented at the SME World Forum.
  2. Best Policy Paper Award Awarded to the best policy paper presented at the SME World Forum.
  3. Best Teaching Workshop Award  Awarded to the best workshop presenting an innovative teaching pedagogy.
  4. Student AwardAwarded to the student who presents the greatest engagement in the imaginative process of entrepreneurial education and action.
  5. Community Impact AwardAwarded to the student who has proven their dedication to projects and policies that uplift our community, spreading inspiration and positivity to faculty, peers, and community members at large.
  6. Humane Entrepreneurship AwardAwarded to the entrepreneur who has shown their commitment to humane entrepreneurial practices, working towards a brighter future for our community, country, and world as a whole.
  7. Female Impact AwardAwarded to the attendee who has demonstrated their devotion to empowering women in the entrepreneurial world.

What you can expect

  • Networking with prominent entrepreneurship stakeholders.
  • Strengthening bonds within both the City of Baku and the global community of entrepreneurs.
  • Gaining support and guidance through entrepreneurial ideas and practices.
  • Participating in empowering local visits to brainstorm with policy makers.
  • Analyzing groundbreaking data about entrepreneurship in 2023 and beyond.
  • Celebrating the local entrepreneurial community.