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1st National SME Conference is an initiative towards the SME representative bodies, Academia, Government Department, International Development Agencies, Financial Institutions, Large Scale Enterprises and Researches. This event is organized by UMT with collaboration of Pakistan government.
Contents
Conference Date: 25th May 2016
Venue: Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore Pakistan
Submission Deadline 20 April 2016
Registration Deadline 1 May 2016
Conference Background
The importance of scientific research in facilitating informed decision making for economic development of a country cannot be over emphasized. Across the globe, the development sector is increasingly relying on evidence based solutions, for formulating policies and designing initiatives for sustainable growth and development. For developing countries, however, the biggest challenge in this regards is deficiency of mechanisms to collect the required data; and lack of expertise to analyze it for developing policies and projects. In short, developing countries lack a strong research culture.
The case of Pakistan is precisely the same. Our economic landscape is dominated by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), yet there is relative neglect in academic and research institutions of the country in scientifically studying the unique characteristics and challenges of the SME sector and consequently devising solutions for various stakeholders.
SMEs constitute 99% of economic establishments, contribute 40% to GDP, add 25% to manufacturing value added and provide 78% of non-agriculture jobs in the country. There are no two opinions, among policy makers, that SME sector needs to be strengthened as an engine for sustainable economic growth, and initiation of SME focused research is a key step towards this end. There is also wide agreement that instigating such a culture invariably calls for collaboration of industry, academia, government, and development agencies.
1st National SME Conference is a step towards this direction. The conference will bring together SME representative bodies, academia, concerned government departments, international development agencies, financial institutions, large scale enterprises, and researchers. It will underscore the challenges and prospects of SME sector in Pakistan, and furnish declamations 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. It may include any topics/issues related to SME sector of Pakistan.
Venue: Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore Pakistan
Submission Deadline 20 April 2016
Registration Deadline 1 May 2016
PAPER SUBMISSION, REVIEW PROCESS & ACCEPTANCE NOTICE
Authors can send empirical and conceptual papers, which must contain title of the paper, authors’ names, affiliation, area of research and contact information. The papers should include Objectives, Data and Methods, Results, up to 6 key words, and Conclusions with significance.
All papers will undergo double-blind review process and the notification of the acceptance will be served within 2 weeks of their submission. Authors, who want early response, are encouraged to submit paper at their earliest. Each paper will be reviewed by 1 local and 1 international doctoral faculty member.
Publication Opportunities
All selected papers will be published in Conference Proceeding in online and hard-copy formats. Online proceedings will be placed at wed-portal of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, Government of Pakistan. With consent of authors, top 6 papers – based on reviewer’s evaluation – will be published in Volume 3, Issue 1 of SMEDA Research Journal (ISSN 2220-7570)
Best paper Award
Cash awards, along with certificates, will be given to 5 Best Papers. Best papers will be selected on the basis of reviewer’s evaluation. All selected papers will be considered for Best paper Awards.
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.