The College of Business and Economics at Debre Berhan University has officially announced a Call for Papers for its 3rd Annual Business and Economics Research Conference. This year’s conference is organized under a timely and forward-looking theme:
“Innovation and Resilient Business Practices for Green Economy: Shaping the Future.”
As economies across the globe confront climate change, technological disruption, and shifting development priorities, this conference arrives at a crucial moment. It provides scholars, researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and graduate students with an opportunity to share ideas, research findings, and policy recommendations that can shape a sustainable and resilient future.
Why This Conference Matters Now
The global economy is undergoing profound transformation. Countries are rethinking traditional growth models and shifting toward greener, more sustainable pathways. Businesses are no longer judged solely on profitability; they are increasingly evaluated based on environmental responsibility, ethical governance, and social impact.
For developing economies like Ethiopia, the transition to a green economy is not just an environmental issue—it is an economic necessity. Sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience are critical for job creation, poverty reduction, and long-term stability.
This conference therefore serves as an intellectual platform to:
- Promote research on green growth and sustainability.
- Encourage innovative business models.
- Strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
- Support evidence-based policymaking.
It is more than an academic gathering—it is a space for shaping practical solutions.
Conference Theme Explained
Innovation and Resilient Business Practices for Green Economy
The theme highlights two key pillars:
1. Innovation
Innovation drives competitiveness and growth. Whether through digital transformation, green technologies, new financial systems, or sustainable supply chains, innovation enables businesses and governments to adapt to change.
2. Resilience
Resilience refers to the ability of businesses and economies to withstand shocks—economic crises, pandemics, climate disasters, and technological disruption. Resilient systems are flexible, adaptive, and forward-thinking.
Together, innovation and resilience create the foundation for a green economy—an economic model that balances growth with environmental sustainability.
Sub-Themes of the Conference
The conference covers diverse but interconnected research areas. Scholars can submit papers aligned with the following sub-themes:
1. Digital Finance, Governance & Financial Inclusion
Digital finance is transforming access to financial services. Mobile banking, fintech innovations, and digital payment platforms are reshaping how businesses operate and how individuals participate in the economy.
Research in this area may explore:
- The role of fintech in financial inclusion
- Digital governance and regulatory frameworks
- Blockchain applications in developing economies
- The impact of digital finance on SMEs
For countries with large unbanked populations, digital finance can significantly enhance inclusion and economic participation.
2. Heritage Tourism, Smart Tourism & Hospitality Marketing
Tourism is a major driver of economic growth, particularly in culturally rich nations. Ethiopia, for example, possesses vast historical and natural assets.
This sub-theme invites research on:
- Sustainable heritage tourism strategies
- Smart tourism technologies
- Digital marketing in hospitality
- Tourism resilience in post-crisis recovery
Tourism must evolve to become environmentally responsible while remaining economically viable.
3. Adaptive Leadership, Organizational Innovation & Business Resilience
Organizations today operate in volatile environments. Adaptive leadership and innovative organizational structures are essential for survival and growth.
Topics may include:
- Crisis leadership strategies
- Organizational agility
- Change management in emerging markets
- Building resilient enterprises
Understanding how institutions adapt to uncertainty is crucial for long-term sustainability.
4. Green Branding, Digital & Ethical Marketing
Modern consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious. Businesses must respond with transparent, ethical, and sustainable branding practices.
Possible research directions:
- Green consumer behavior
- Corporate social responsibility
- Ethical advertising practices
- Digital marketing analytics
This area connects marketing theory with environmental responsibility and ethical governance.
5. Macroeconomics of Green Growth & Sustainability Indicators
Macroeconomic policy plays a central role in enabling green transitions. Governments must design policies that promote growth while minimizing environmental degradation.
Research may focus on:
- Green GDP measurement
- Sustainability indicators
- Climate finance and fiscal policy
- Renewable energy investment impacts
This sub-theme is especially relevant for economists conducting empirical research using macroeconomic data.
6. Innovative and Resilient Supply Chain Practices for Green Economy
Supply chains are increasingly vulnerable to global disruptions. At the same time, they significantly affect carbon emissions and resource consumption.
Relevant topics include:
- Sustainable logistics systems
- Circular economy models
- Supply chain digitization
- Risk management strategies
Resilient and green supply chains are central to sustainable industrial development.
Important Dates to Remember
Researchers planning to participate should carefully note the following deadlines:
- Paper Submission Period: February 27, 2026 – March 14, 2026
- Acceptance Notification: March 18, 2026
- Conference Date: March 31, 2026
Timely submission is strongly encouraged to ensure smooth review and acceptance processes.
Who Should Submit?
This conference welcomes:
- University professors and researchers
- PhD and Master’s students
- Policy analysts
- Industry practitioners
- Independent researchers
Whether your work is theoretical, empirical, or policy-oriented, it can contribute meaningfully to the discussion.
Benefits of Participating
Participating in this conference offers several advantages:
Academic Exposure
Presenting your research allows you to receive constructive feedback from experts in the field.
Networking Opportunities
You will connect with scholars, policymakers, and business leaders who share similar research interests.
Publication Prospects
Selected papers may be considered for further academic dissemination.
Contribution to National Development
Your research can inform policies that promote sustainable and resilient economic growth.
How to Submit
Interested researchers can submit their papers via the official submission portal:
https://dbujournals.edu.et/call_paper.php
Authors are encouraged to carefully follow submission guidelines and formatting requirements.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the conference:
- Dr. Kidane Kerebh
- Dr. Grimachew Kahsay
Email: [email protected]
Technical Support: Temesgen Waleign
A Platform for Shaping the Future
This 3rd Annual Business and Economics Research Conference is not just another academic event. It represents a commitment to building sustainable systems, encouraging innovation, and strengthening resilience in business and economic practice.
In a world facing environmental crises, digital transformation, and economic uncertainty, research must go beyond theory. It must provide practical solutions.
The College of Business and Economics at Debre Berhan University is creating a space where ideas meet action—where scholars and practitioners collaborate to design a greener, stronger, and more inclusive future.
If your research aligns with the theme of innovation, resilience, and sustainability, this is your opportunity to contribute.
Mark your calendar. Prepare your paper. Join the conversation.
The future of green business and economic resilience starts with informed research—and your work could be part of that transformation.
