Since the global financial crisis of 2008, globalization has taken a tumultuous dimension. The slowdown in economic growth, considered by many as a “new norm”, important change in global economic structure, development of free trade agreements of the new generation, growing social protest, adoption of major programs for sustainable development, digital revolution, etc. are all the factors that disrupt business environment, thereby creating huge opportunities as well as major challenges for companies. Being the engine of innovation and job creation, SMEs and entrepreneurs, more than ever before, are challenged to internationalize in order to better exploit new markets and develop new competencies. It is clear that the challenges of globalization are not just limited to how to conquer foreign markets. Thus, for SMEs that decide to venture within domestic markets, being able to effectively and ethically exploit resources from international markets, and to take a stand in the light of new domestic and international factors becomes new strategic imperatives.
Researchers, entrepreneurs, teachers, administrators, students, policy makers and all other persons interested in promoting SMEs and entrepreneurship participated in this gathering. Proposals were taken for academic papers, professional workshop sessions and panel discussions in all fields related to SMEs and entrepreneurship, especially on the following topics:
- International entrepreneurship
- Challenges of internationalisation for SMEs
- Government policies towards the internationalization of SMEs
- SMEs and innovation
SMEs and sustainable development - SMEs and digital revolution
Management of SMEs growth - Women entrepreneurs
- Immigrants entrepreneurship
- Technological entrepreneurship
- Aboriginal entrepreneurship
- Social entrepreneurship
Comparative entrepreneurship - Development of entrepreneurship culture
- Entrepreneurship education