The primary aim of ECIE is to foster a comprehensive understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship by bringing together, from around the world, diverse perspectives from academia, industry, and policy-making. The conference seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering insights into the processes that fuel innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. ECIE encourages the exploration of new ideas, the development of innovative business models, and the identification of best practices that can be applied across different sectors and regions.

The scope of the conference is broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing a wide range of topics related to innovation management, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and the role of technology in driving business growth. ECIE also emphasises the importance of education and training in fostering entrepreneurial skills and mindsets, as well as the role of policy and government in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Topics Covered 

The call for papers for the ECIE conference asked for contributions that considered the following topics. In addition, the committee welcomed papers on a number of specialist mini-tracks which can be seen at the end of this list. 

Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Strategies for creating social value in business.
• Case studies of successful social enterprises.
• The role of entrepreneurship in addressing social and environmental challenges.

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)

• Innovative approaches to integrating NBS in business and urban planning.
• The impact of NBS on community resilience and environmental sustainability.
• Cross-sector collaborations for implementing NBS.

Responsible Business Practices

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its evolving role.
• Integrating sustainability into core business strategies.
• Balancing profitability with social and environmental impact.

Digital Transformation in Business

• Leveraging digital tools for enhanced innovation and efficiency.
• Digital platforms for scaling social enterprises.
• Opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in traditional industries.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Entrepreneurship

• AI-driven business models and innovation.
• Ethical considerations of AI in society.
• The role of AI in supporting social entrepreneurship and addressing social issues.

Innovation in Sustainable Development

• Entrepreneurship’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Green technologies and sustainable business practices.
• Fostering a circular economy through innovative ventures.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Social Impact

• Building supportive ecosystems for social entrepreneurs.
• Regional approaches to fostering innovation and social entrepreneurship.
• The impact of universities and research institutions on social innovation.

Public-Private Partnerships and Cross-Sector Collaboration

• The role of government, private sector, and NGOs in fostering innovation.
• Models of collaboration for tackling social and environmental challenges.
• Financing  mechanisms for social enterprises and innovative projects.

Future Trends in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Emerging trends shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.
• Technology-driven changes in entrepreneurship.
• Preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs for socially responsible innovation.

Measurement and Evaluation of Social Impact

• Metrics for assessing social and environmental value.
• Tools and methodologies for impact measurement.
• Reporting and accountability in social enterprises.