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IU School of Liberal Arts

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1st Public Scholars in Africana Studies International Conference 2009

"Rethinking Economic Development in the Context of Globalization: Entrepreneurship, the Knowledge Economy, and Sustainable Development"

IU School of Liberal Arts
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
October 29-31, 2009

Dr. Bessie House-Soremekun, Conference Convener

Address:
425 University Blvd.
Cavanaugh Hall Rm 504A
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5140

Email: beshouse@iupui.edu

Phone:
317.274.5027 (office)
216.645.3385 (mobile)

Conference Schedule

The Problem to be addressed at the Conference

In the last few decades, the world community has witnessed a tremendous intensification of globalization processes and its’ attendant impacts on the political, economic, social, and cultural realms of society. There has been an economic restructuring of many world economies such as the United States and countries of the North from a previous over reliance on manufacturing and agriculture as the cornerstone for their development to become economies that are now characterized by a proliferation of service related enterprises. Moreover, the economic gap between countries of the North and the South has widened considerably, even as new upcoming economic superpowers such as China and India are now playing more important roles in the economic arena.  These effects are expected to intensify in the coming years as a result of increasing international trade, the increase in the outsourcing of jobs from the North to the South, technological advances, global warming, and the widening digital divide.

It is therefore entirely appropriate at this juncture of our global history to rethink and reconceptualize economic development at the local, national, and international levels of analysis.

The main objectives of the conference are to:

  • Assess the multifaceted impacts that globalization has had on various countries of the World
  • Interrogate both the theoretical and empirical aspects of entrepreneurship and economic development in the 21st century in the context of globalization.
  • Present case studies of particular regions and countries that demonstrate creative and successful indigenous-based models of economic development.
  • Present public policy recommendations and examples of best practices in entrepreneurship and economic development that can be replicated world-wide to enhance economic growth and self-sufficiency.

To ascertain these objectives, the conference will be interdisciplinary in nature and we invite participants from the fields of economics, history, sociology, business administration, entrepreneurship, political science, women’s studies, Black Studies, urban policy and urban planning, law, medicine, public policy, technology, geography, as well as area studies scholars to discuss these issues in particular regional and geographical contexts. Graduate and undergraduate students will also be invited to participate on roundtables during the conference to discuss the topics as well. A number of individuals will also be utilized to chair the panels and also serve as discussants.  On one hand, we are looking for papers that are theoretical in nature. On the other hand, we seek papers that are grounded in the current reality of particular countries of the world. All authors should link their discussions to the phenomenon of globalization which has exerted both positive and negative consequences.  Papers will be assigned to particular panels based on common themes that bind them together. Several internationally renowned scholars will make keynote speeches on the major theme articulated in this proposal.

Audience for the Conference

The audience for the conference will include international scholars from various parts of the world. University professors, administrators and students from various countries of the world will be welcome. The conference will also be of great interest to politicians, urban planners, economic development practitioners, community development organizations, financial lending institutions, and members of the public at large.

Dissemination of Scholarship

Selected papers from the conference will be published in the form of an edited book. The conference will also be taped and aired on public access television.

Possible paper topics may include the following and should be organized according to the following themes:

  1. Assessing the Impact of Globalization
    • Reexamining The Impacts of Outsourcing of Jobs in the 21st Century Economy
    • Fiscal and Monetary Policy.
    • Global and regional disparities in Entrepreneurship
  2. Rethinking Economic Development in the context of globalization.
    • Economic Development for the 21st Century in the Globalization Era
    • Developing New Models of Economic Development
    • Developing Public Policy Initiatives for Economic Growth and Sustainability
    • Reconceptualizing Entrepreneurship
    • Developing Cutting Edge Models of Entrepreneurship
    • Enhancing Entrepreneurial Capacity
    • Entrepreneurship from a Grass Roots Perspective
    • Minority Entrepreneurship
    • Models for Rural Entrepreneurship
    • Women’s Entrepreneurship
    • Ethnic Entrepreneurship
    • Best Practices in Entrepreneurial Training
  3. General themes in economic development
    • The Role of Academic Institutions of Higher Learning in Promoting Economic Development
    • Rethinking the Role of Philanthropy in Economic Development
    • The role of environmental management in economic development
    • The role of conflicts, Wars and Human migrations in economic development
    • The role of natural and human induced disasters in economic development
  4. Urban and Rural Revitalization Schemes
    • The Role of the Public and Private Sectors in Promoting Positive Change
    • The Role of Micro-Credit Schemes in Enhancing Economic Growth
    • Reconceptualizing Inner City Development in the United States
    • The role of technology and infrastructure in economic development
    • Globalization and Rural Entrepreneurship
  5. Specific Country Case Studies on Economic Development
    • African American Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century
    • China, Globalization, and Africa
    • America, China, and Globalization
    • Case Studies on Local Entrepreneurship Activities in the United States
  6. The Impacts of Globalization on Restructuring Economic growth
    • The impact of restructured local and global markets and indigenous forms of entrepreneurship on economic developments
    • The Impact of Globalization on Women’s Entrepreneurial Initiatives
    • Spatial and temporal trends of economic growth in the context of globalization

Deadline

The deadline for the submission of paper topics is April 30, 2009. All proposals must include a paper title, an abstract of about 250 words, the names, addresses, phone numbers, and the email addresses and affiliations of the authors. Paper presenters will need to pay a registration fee of $100.00. Presenters will also be responsible for their airfare and hotel accommodations.

Send all abstracts, registration fees, and relevant materials to Conference Convener:

Dr. Bessie House-Soremekun
Public Scholar in African American Studies, Civic Engagement and Entrepreneurship
425 University Blvd.
Cavanaugh Hall, Room 503D
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5140
317-274-5027 (office)
317-274-3280 (fax)
Email:beshouse@iupui.edu and CC to uramesh@umail.iu.edu