MBSC conference spotlights future of entrepreneurship
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship hosted the highly anticipated 1st International Entrepreneurship Research Conference from Jan. 21 to 23, at its campus in King Abdullah Economic City. Under the theme 'The Future of Entrepreneurship, Family Business and Education Research: New Trends and Innovative Practices,' the conference united global thought leaders to explore innovative trends shaping entrepreneurship.
IERC 2025 featured more than 26 parallel sessions and six panel discussions, with more than 150 paper presentations selected from 339 submissions. The event engaged 306 authors from 42 countries, highlighting MBSC's role in fostering global research collaboration.
Dr. Zeger Degraeve, dean of MBSC, said: 'IERC 2025 embodies our mission to inspire innovation and cultivate leadership for sustainable growth in alignment with Vision 2030. This conference is a testament to MBSC's dedication to bridging the gap between academia and industry to drive meaningful impact.'
Prominent keynote speakers included Saud Khalid Al-Sabhan, vice governor of Monsha'at, and Fuad Shapra, chair of the Middle East Investment Committee and board member at KPMG Middle East. Their participation underscored the event's significance in advancing entrepreneurial innovation in Saudi Arabia and the region.
The conference delved into topics such as entrepreneurial ecosystems, family business, women entrepreneurship, digital transformation, sustainability, climate resilience, healthcare transformation and innovation.
Professor of entrepreneurship Dr. Adnan Maalaoui said: 'IERC 2025 offers a vibrant platform for entrepreneurs and policymakers to collaborate and transform research into actionable solutions, reinforcing MBSC's leadership in entrepreneurship education.'
As part of expanding the success of the conference, the college plans to enhance its global impact by hosting the second edition, IERC 2026, in Alexandria, Egypt, and the third edition, IERC 2027, in Fez, Morocco. The conference will also return to Saudi Arabia in 2028 and every three years thereafter, reflecting the college's ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurial innovation in the MENA region and reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading hub for entrepreneurship.
Al-Sabhan, vice governor of Monsha'at, said: 'MBSC's hosting of IERC 2025 highlights its commitment to driving innovation and collaboration between academia and industry. This conference plays a crucial role in empowering Saudi Arabia's entrepreneurial ecosystem and advancing Vision 2030.'
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