Funchal, Madeira, Portugal — September 5-6, 2024 — The University of Madeira’s Jesuit College will host the Socioeconomic and Entrepreneurial Advancement Summit in Ultraperipheral Regions, a groundbreaking event designed to reshape the future of entrepreneurship in an increasingly interconnected world. Chaired by Eduardo Leite, the summit is set for September 5 and 6, 2024, and will convene leading scholars, entrepreneurs, and innovators to discuss the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and its broader societal impact.
The Importance of Entrepreneurship Today
Entrepreneurship has become a cornerstone of modern economies, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth. In today’s rapidly changing world, the relevance of entrepreneurship extends beyond mere economic activity; it has become a vital tool for addressing social challenges, promoting sustainability, and enabling inclusive growth. As traditional business models are challenged by new technological advancements and shifting societal values, entrepreneurship serves as a powerful catalyst for transformation. This summit aims to explore these dynamics, offering insights into how entrepreneurs can navigate and influence this evolving landscape.
Event Overview
In an era where entrepreneurship is undergoing a significant paradigm shift, this summit will serve as a platform to explore emerging trends that prioritize collaboration, sustainability, and social impact over individual success. The discussions will focus on how these changes are fostering a more inclusive and interconnected entrepreneurial ecosystem, reflecting broader societal transformations.
Key Themes and Discussions
The event will cover a diverse range of thematic areas, including:
- Post-Individualist Economics: Exploring new economic models that emphasize collaboration and interconnectedness.
- Digital Economy and Blockchain: Discussing the transformative potential of blockchain technology in economic systems.
- Social Entrepreneurship: Highlighting the role of entrepreneurs in creating positive community impacts.
These themes will be explored through keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, and parallel sessions, providing deep insights into the future of entrepreneurship.
Distinguished Keynote Speakers
The summit will feature presentations from globally recognized thought leaders:
- David Audretsch (Indiana University Bloomington) will present on “Making a Miracle: Fauda and Entrepreneurial Resilience,” focusing on how entrepreneurs can thrive amidst challenges.
- Dafna Kariv (Reichman University) will explore “Entrepreneurship Research Rocks! Generating New Insights from Generative AI,” showcasing the role of AI in entrepreneurial research.
- Alexandra Moritz (University of Koblenz) will discuss “Startups as Drivers of Change: Innovative Solutions for More Sustainable Ecosystems,” emphasizing the role of startups in fostering sustainability.
- Natalie Walsh (University of Galway) will speak on “Empathy at the Edge: Lessons from Embedding Empathy as a Core Skill in Entrepreneurship,” highlighting the importance of empathy in entrepreneurial success.
Roundtable and Networking Opportunities
A key feature of the summit will be a roundtable discussion on September 5, where experts like Elsa Fernandes (University of Madeira), Pedro Camacho (Nearsoft), Carlos Lopes (Startup Madeira), and Roland Bachmeier (Sustainability Expert) will debate the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs in this new era. This session, moderated by Ricardo Gouveia from the University of Madeira, promises to be a dynamic exchange of ideas.
The event will also offer numerous networking opportunities, including a poster presentation session and a gala dinner, providing participants with the chance to forge meaningful connections and partnerships.
Organizers and Sponsors
The summit is proudly organized by the University of Madeira, Startup Madeira, the Funchal City Hall, and the OSEAN Research Center. The conference benefits from the sponsorship of key organizations including:
- Secretaria Regional de Economia, Turismo e Cultura
- Poliempreende
- Ordem dos Economistas
- Accelerate Future HEI
- Delta Cafés
- Bioforma
- Dupladp
- Savoy Palace
Publication and Awards
Participants will have the opportunity to publish their research in the Conference Proceedings, with select articles being featured in a special issue of the Scopus-indexed Social Sciences & Humanities Open journal. Outstanding papers will also be fast-tracked for publication in the Journal of Entrepreneurial Researchers (JER), in collaboration with the OSEAN Research Center.
Final Thoughts
As we stand on the brink of a new era in entrepreneurship, the Socioeconomic and Entrepreneurial Advancement Summit in Ultraperipheral Regions is poised to be a milestone event. By bringing together brilliant minds and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the summit will not only contribute to the advancement of entrepreneurial knowledge but also inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs dedicated to making a positive impact on society.
