5th International Economics Conference – 2019 (IEC 2019)

 
 
The 5th International Economics Conference - 2019 was organised on November 15 & 16, 2019 on the theme of “Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: Emerging Trends”. The two-day conference was inaugurated by Dr. Sébastien Chantelot, Director of La Rochelle Business School & Vice Dean-Academics of Excelia Group, France. 
 
In his keynote address, Dr. Sébastien elucidated that the future corporate managers need to possess the core skills such as complex problem solving, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity, judgement and decision making, people management and coordination with stakeholders to implement sustainable business practices. He said that every company needs to justify the triple bottom line such as economy, environment and society. People, planet and profit are postulated as the central aspects of sustainability. He also raised concerns on increasing pressure on the environment and opined that sustainable development goals (SDGs) could be achieved through responsible management education. Dr. Sébastien argued for the need for industry-academia collaboration to instil sustainability practices. Further, he expressed his apprehension over ethical dilemmas and sustainability practices in business.
 
Dr. H. Gayathri, Deputy Director, who spoke on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of United Nations which is built on the principle of “leaving no one behind” focussed on the holistic approach to achieve sustainable development for all. 
 
Dr. B. Venkatraja, Conference Chairperson, introducing the conference theme said the event had been organised to deliberate on the factors driving growth and causing economic slowdown in the emerging global open market. 
 
The two-day event featured technical sessions, panel discussions and paper presentations on different issues related to the conference theme. 
 
Ms. Anjana K R, General Manager – HR, Tata Consultancy Services, Dr. M. Indira, Ex-Chairperson & Professor of Economics, University of Mysore, and Sri. Bharathram Lokkur - Director, Lokkur Investment Advisors Private Limited delivered talks during technical sessions. 
 
A panel discussion on “Sustainability & Business Economy” had Dr. Gavin Melles, Professor of Sustainability, Swinburne University, Australia, Dr. Rajagopal R, Founder & CEO, KnowGenix, Mumbai and Jyotsna Belliappa, Head- CSR Assurance at BlueSky as panel speakers. The panel was moderated by Dr. M.R. Suresh, Professor, SDMIMD. 
 
Sri. K.R. Viju Parameshwar, Former President & CEO of Kluber Lubrication India Private Limited was the Chief Guest to the valedictory session of the conference held on November 16.
 
Members from academia, industry and research scholars from different parts of the country and abroad presented 140 research papers and case studies on the theme. The conference was attended by 200 delegates.