ISSME World Conference 2013 October 17, 2013

The ISSME World Conference 2013 (IWC 2013), being organised in Gurgaon, Delhi NCR (India) from 18-21 October focuses on Best Practices in Promoting SMEs with a main theme of “Fostering International Linkages for SMEs Development”.

It is part of the endeavour of the International Society for Small and Medium Enterprises (ISSME) - an ISO 9001 certified International Non-Government Organisation - to enhance effective global networking and synergize the efforts of like-minded institutions and organizations. For more information on ISSME, log on to: http://www.issme.org

The IWC 2013 will not only talk about the lessons learnt but also look into the opportunities and challenges related to international linkages between large and small & medium enterprises in the areas of manufacturing, trading and services. It will explore the best possible ways of establishing sustainable linkages between governments, international organizations, SME support institutions, trade and industry associations, and other related agencies.

The discussions will be backed up by case studies and experiences from across the world so that an effective road-map can be worked out for the growth of the SME sector.

The IWC 2013 will bring together policy makers from governments, representatives of international organisations like the UN, support agencies, entrepreneurs, financial institutions and NGOs to discuss issues relevant to SMEs worldwide.

It is acknowledged that the SME sector is the engine for industrial growth and economic development. The sector, however, finds it challenging to finance operations. It is also hampered by the lack of access to latest technology and inadequate exposure to the global marketplace.

A highly-competitive global business environment also means that small businesses have to constantly adapt and innovate in order to survive.

The IWC 2013 aims to provide answers to these and other challenges the SME sector is confronted with. It will also discuss opportunities waiting to be tapped, potentials which remain unexplored and global networks which can be created for greater growth.

The theme of the IWC 2013 is in keeping with ISSME’s guiding principles – Knowledge, Networking and Growth. The conference seeks to improve the competitive strength of SMEs by fostering sustainable linkages in a globalised surrounding.

The IWC 2013 is expected to be attended by approximately 700 delegates from across the globe. Add in volunteers, exhibitors and speakers and our number will be close to 900.

Delegates will discuss policies, strategies, support initiatives and institutional cooperation needed to strengthen the SME sector and prepare it for new challenges as well as opportunities. The conference also provides a wonderful opportunity to share information and experiences on best practices in the sector.

The key objectives of the conference include:

-Discussing ways to enhance international cooperation and share information to bring greater clarity when it comes to the role of National Governments; Multilateral/Bilateral Agencies; Non -Governmental Organizations NGOs)
-Identifying specific inhibiting factors for the implementation of various policies and programmes.
-Sharing experiences on the role of business associations and chambers in strengthening SMEs.
-Providing specific policy inputs for provision/ creation of needed services & linkages.

The 4-day conference program will be divided into a Public Agency Forum which will open the conference, Plenary Sessions and Workshops. It will feature keynote speakers and SME experts talking on a wide range of interesting topics. Tea/coffee breaks, luncheons and dinners provide opportunities for delegates to socialize and network. As per schedule, a quality social evening programme will allow for delegates to reflect on the day’s proceedings and enjoy themselves. These social events provide an ideal opportunity for sponsors to get excellent exposure to a highly-focused group of high-level decision makers and SME experts both from India and abroad.

The Public Agencies Forum, which will discuss Supporting Sustainable Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises worldwide, will set the tone for the rest of the conference.

The focus areas of the plenary sessions are:

-SME Development Policy & Practices
-Entrepreneurship Education Policy & Practices
-The role of National Governments, International Organisations & Industry Associations in supporting SMEs.

Workshops will discuss a wide range of issues which include Entrepreneurship Education, Training and Support; Green Energy; Creativity, Innovation and Technology Transfer; Indigenous Entrepreneurship; Social and Women Entrepreneurship; New Venture creation, finance, taxation and regulation and e-entrepreneurship, e-business and e-learning.

Given the global audience that the conference is expected to attract, an exhibition which will run alongside will provide a unique opportunity to entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services.

The Grand Finale of the conference will be the ISSME Global Awards which will recognise the best in the SME sector.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Individuals, institutions and organisations which form part of the SME sector across the world. These include entrepreneurs, policy-makers, government departments and representatives of support institutions as well as NGOs.

ICT, Marketing and HR Solution providers whose goal is to ensure the sustainable development of the sector.
Researchers and academics seeking to promote a better understanding of the challenges the sector faces and those who are looking for a global forum to suggest effective solutions.

WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE

The conference will provide:

-Insights from policy makers, small business entrepreneurs, financial institutions
-A showcase for products and services in the form of an exhibition
-An opportunity to compete for the ISSME Global Awards which recognise the best in the sector
-Share best practices in business creation, management and development
-Find out what new opportunities and threats lie ahead
-Discuss leading-edge research in entrepreneurship and SMEs
-Present your own research and experience and gain feedback
-Business-to-Business networking and match-making opportunities
-Best practice visits to industrial parks, incubation & innovation centres, government department, etc.

The IWC 2013 organising committee has worked extensively to try and come up with a perfect mix, from finalising the programme and structure to selecting the venue for the conference, the exhibition and the ISSME Global Awards. The committee is sure that all the delegates, exhibitors, supporters and sponsors will benefit from the conference.

We hope to see you at the IWC 2013!

Official Website: http://www.iwc13.org