AfRIC2022: 1st African Research Initiative Conference : Fostering a Sustainable Entrepreneurship Research Ecosystem Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, October 24-26, 2022 |
Conference website | http://www.afri-c.org |
Submission link | https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=afric2022 |
Doctoral Consortium Deadline | September 1, 2022 |
Abstract registration deadline | September 2, 2022 |
Special Issues - Extended Abstract Submission Deadline | September 10, 2022 |
Strategic Research Workshop with Stakeholders Registration Deadline | September 10, 2022 |
Submission deadline | September 14, 2022 |
Meet the Editors Registration Deadline | October 10, 2022 |
Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) and Louvain Research Institute in Management and Organizations (LouRIM) are glad to announce the first edition of African Research Initiative Conference (AfRIC) 2022 on 24th, 25th and 26th October 2022. The 2022 AfRIC is organized by LouRIM/ Sustainable Innovative Entrepreneurship Worldwide /Africa Initiative (SIEWA Initiative: A real world Laboratory to Accelerate the Transition with Africa) with the collaboration of International Entrepreneurship Forum (IEF), International Network for SMEs (INSME) and Société Africaine de Management (SAM). AfRIC 2022 is also supported by the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES) through its research thematic programs (PTR Santé; PTR Socio-économie et Marché; PTR Gouvernance et Développement), The Francophone University Agency (AUF), as well as the Project ‘Promotion de la Recherche, l’Innovation et de la Culture Numérique en Afrique Centrale’ (PRICNAC) one of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States - Research & Innovation (OACPS R&I) initiative funded by the European Union. This event is also supported by EIT Climate KIC’s Transitions Hub (CKIC’s Transition Hub), the Innovation for Sustainable Development Network (Inno4sd.net) and Emerald Publishing as well as many journals.
General theme of AfRIC 2022: “Fostering a Sustainable Entrepreneurship Research Ecosystem”
Objectives
The general objective of this three-day virtual conference is to allow discussions about the progress on sustainable innovative entrepreneurship research with Africa through transdisciplinary, interdisciplinary perspectives. The specific objectives are:
- To provide space for knowledge sharing among young scholars interested in topics related to sustainable development, innovation and entrepreneurship for more socio-economic development and wellbeing with Africa.
- To provide opportunities for PhD candidates & early career researchers to present and discuss about their work.
- To provide opportunities for PhD candidates and early career researchers to submit their work to members of the SIEWA Scientific Board, IEF, SAM, CAMES-PTR Santé/ PTR Socio-économie et Marché, and to receive scientific advice as feedback.
- To offer the possibility to prepare and submit full manuscripts for publication in the Special Issues edited by the 1st AfRIC organizing committee.
- To provide space for an extensive network of academics, policy makers, practitioners, and community-based organizations to advance new knowledge by tapping leading edge research connecting real-life problems to the production of scientific knowledge
Conference Format and Activities
The AfRIC 2022 is organized virtually around two main activities during 3 days as follow:
- 2 days PHD BOOTCAMP: Capacity Building for PhDs and early-stage researchers
- Day 1: ‘Meet the Editors’
- Day 2: Doctoral Consortium
- One day Strategic Research Workshop with Stakeholders
- Day 3: Cross-fertilization
About the SIEWA Initiative
SIEWA Initiative is an emerging international consortium-based initiative with already more than 15 universities and research initiatives members and supportive international organizations. Pursuant to the AU-EU High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation, we aim to:
- Make it real through a focus on how researchers gather data to generate actionable information before transferring the subsequent knowledge to relevant stakeholders in the EU and Africa.
- Generate impact by design with a socio-spatial approach to research and its application that considers, respects, and strengthens effective existing ecosystems already on the ground.
- Strengthen people, communities, and institutions through connecting real-life problems to the production of scientific knowledge, bringing together academics and their external counterparts.
- Learn, monitor and scale up through analysing failures and successes for lessons learned and repeating what works while discarding what does not after having grown in our understanding
Submission Guidelines
MEET THE EDITORS - CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS
Learn about how to get your papers published
The ‘Meet the Editors’ virtual session is an opportunity for all conference participants to meet virtually and talk with the editors of the AfRIC 2022 supportive journals: Journal of African Business, International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Emerging Economies, Recherche et Applications en Marketing, Décisions Marketing, Business & Society Review, Cleaner Waste Systems Journal, Gestion 2000, Management & Sciences Sociales. While the AfRIC 2022 ‘Meet the Editors’ is aimed at any career level, it will be particularly useful for doctoral students especially first-time writers, early career researchers and those with an interest in reviewing and editing for related journals.In this AfRIC 2022 ‘Meet the Editors’ virtual session, you will hear from several editors about their respective journals and the publishing process – from submission to acceptance. They will also give their top tips for a successful publication and advise on topics including cover letters, responding to criticisms and how to get involved in reviewing and editing. In addition of writing for journals, the AfRIC 2022 ‘Meet the Editors’ will also focus on two additional special topics including writing monograph and text as well as dissemination and communication.The AfRIC 2022 ‘Meet the Editors’ is scheduled for October 24, 2022. The session will be moderated by three members of the convener team.If you have any questions about the AfRIC 2022 ‘Meet the Editors’ session, please contact us via "afric2022-mte@uclouvain.be".
SPECIAL ISSUES CALL FOR EXTENDED ABSTRACTS
Join the scholarly debates to make impact in your field
Thanks to our supportive journals, we are also glad to invite you to join the scholarly debates through the opportunities of special Issues. Only the authors targeting the special issues related to AfRIC will need to submit an extended abstract (short paper). A ten-page (maximum) double-spaced document, excluding references and exhibits, to include Abstract, Principal Topic (with the statement of the Problem, Current understanding, and Research question), Method, Results and Contribution/ Practical implication, should be submitted online no later than September 10, 2022. For more information, please check the call for papers associated to the targeting journal. Below, you may also find the links to the journal web page. Papers will be evaluated by the scientific panel on double-blind basis. Only the authors of the selected short papers will be invited to continue the editorial process after AfRIC 2022. Current special issues are listed below. The forthcoming special issues will be announced in due time directly on the conference web site.
Submit a manuscript to the journal Journal of African BusinessFor a special issue on:Decrypting the CSR Promises, Challenges and Practices in the SMEs, Start-ups, and Intrapreneurial Initiatives.https://think.taylorandfrancis.com/special_issues/decrypting-csr-promises/?utm_source=TFO&utm_medium=cms&utm_campaign=JPG15743
PHD PROJECT-AFRICA DOCTORAL CONSORTIUM - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Building the next Generation of African Leaders in Business Through Academia
The PHD PROJECT AFRICA Doctoral is scheduled for October 25, 2022. Thirty doctoral students and early-stage researchers pursuing research and teaching careers will have an opportunity to participate in the program and attend the virtual conference for free. Application deadline is September 1, 2021.
Eligibility and Requirements
The program welcomes empirical and conceptual papers as well as developmental research projects examining topics across all areas of Sustainability and Green Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the African context, both in the private and public sectors, and a comparative analysis of the African context with other parts of the world. Research projects examining real life problems from other disciplines but linked to issues in Sustainability, Innovation and Entrepreneurship are also welcome. Work based on interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary-oriented approaches is a real asset in the selection process.Candidates will submit a two-page (maximum 900-word) abstract including principal topic, method, and results online to easychair.afric2020 no later than September 1, 2022. The submission Web page for AfRIC 2022 is https://easychair.org/my/conference?conf=afric2022. Abstracts will be double-blind reviewed by members of the Scientific Committee.
Guidelines for preparing abstract:
- Principal topic:
- Problem: What specific research (clarify the related discipline) problem does the submission focus on?
- Current understanding: What is known about this problem, who and how has it been tackled before?
- Research question: What is the submission goal?
- Method (or research design): How precisely and in detail was/will the work (be) executed. The methodology/approach should be described.
- Results: What are/will be the main outcomes and results?
- Contribution: What will the outcomes and results add to current understanding or theory in the related discipline?
- Practical implications: Who will practically gain what and in which way from the findings?
Authors will be notified via email in September 2022 on acceptance of abstract. For selected candidates,
- a one-page, maximum 400-word summary is due by October 15, 2022.
- a six-page max PowerPoint for presentation is due by October 15, 2022.
- please be sure to register no later than October 15, 2022. If you register late, your summary may not be included in the Conference Abstract Book, and we may give chance to another selected candidate in the top-40 list.
Papers will be evaluated by the Scientific Committee and selected for publication. The top-30 selected submissions will have their one-page summary published in the 2022 issue of AfRIC 2022 Best Abstract Book.
BEST PAPER AWARDS
Recognizing and promoting the talent and effort of the best of group of doctoral students
An award will be granted to the best paper for PHD AFRICA PROJECT Doctoral consortium. Winners will receive a certificate, and the paper highlighted in the AfRIC 2022 Program. Best papers will also be considered for an extensive training program leading to publication in one of supportive journals of AfRIC 2022, subject to the journal’s blind review process.Papers will be evaluated by the Board of Reviewers and selected for publication. Particular attention will also be given to successful work with real practical implication or potential significant implication for entrepreneurs and other actors involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and with socio- economic impact in Africa.
STRATEGIC RESEARCH WORKSHOP WITH STAKEHOLDERS - CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS
Connecting the unconnected for more cross-fertilization, make the difference and have impact.
The Strategic Research Workshop is scheduled for October 26, 2022. The workshop will bring together an extensive network of academics (research, education & training,…), policy makers, industries, Business & entrepreneurs, and community-based organizations to advance new knowledge through connecting real-life problems to the production of scientific knowledge. We are glad to invite you to join us to this vibrant conversation for more impact.
Workshop Format and Activities
The workshop is organized around panel sessions led by one key speaker and about 4 other contributors. The format for the workshop has been designed to meet and help realize its objectives and to address the key themes: In addition to the keynotes, we are working towards the organization of the panel sessions around the following key topics:
Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What are the implications for:
- Job creation
- Inclusivity (Gender & Youth; Public-Private)
- Health and Environment
- Knowledge creation
- Institutional development
- Resources
Ecosystem Development
What are the implications for:
- Job creation
- Inclusivity (Gender & Youth; Public-Private)
- Health and Environment
- Knowledge creation
- Institutional development
- Resources
People & Technology
What are the implications for:
- job creation
- Inclusivity (Gender & Youth; Public-Private)
- Health and Environment
- Knowledge creation
- Institutional development
- Resources
If you have any questions about the AfRIC 2022 ‘Strategic research workshop with stakeholders’ session, please contact us via "afric2022-crossfertilization@uclouvain.be".
Committees
Organizing Institutions
- Louvain Research Institute in Management and Organizations (LouRIM), UCLouvain
- International Entrepreneurship Forum (IEF)
- Société Africaine de Management (SAM)
Scientific Committe – Board of Reviewers
- Tahirou Younoussi Adama, Université de Tahoua (Niger)
- Ousseina D. Alidou, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (USA)
- Sanvi Avouyi-Dovi, Banque de France & ICN Business School (France)
- Henri Bah, Université Alassane Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Boubacar Baidari, Université Abdou Moumouni (Niger)
- Eddy Balemba Kanyurhi, Université Catholique de Bukavu (RDC)
- Guilhem Bascle (TBC), UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium)
- Balibié Serge Auguste Bayala, CESAG & PTR Socio-Économies et Marchés-CAMES (Sénégal)
- Mahamadou Biga Diambeidou, UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium) & ICN Business School ARTEM-CEREFIGE (France)
- Maria-Giuseppina Bruna, IPAG (France)
- Bertin Chabi, CESAG (Sénégal)
- Frederik Claeyé, ICHEC Brussels Management School (Belgium)
- Rey Dang, ISTEC Paris (France)
- Youssoufou Hamadou Daouda, Université de Tahoua (Niger)
- Marcus Dejardins, UCLouvain & Université de Namur (Belgium)
- Fernando J. Díaz López, Climate Innovation - Climate KIC (France) & Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
- Mafini Dosso, European Commission JRC (Spain)
- Benoit Gailly, UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium)
- Nuno Guimarães-Costa, ICN Business School ARTEM-CEREFIGE (France)
- Moon Gyewan, Kyungpook National University (South korea)
- Wafa Hammedi, Université de Namur (Belgium)
- Matthew Hawkins, ICN Business School ARTEM-CEREFIGE (France)
- Julie Hermans, UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium)
- Amélie Jacquemin, UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium)
- Mahaman Laouan Aboubé, Université Abdou Moumouni (Niger)
- Hareesh Mavoori, ICN Business School ARTEM-CEREFIGE (France)
- Jacques François Mavoungou, Université Internationale de Libreville & PTR Santé-CAMES (Gabon)
- Ababacar Mbengue, Société Africaine de Management & Université de Reims (France)
- Jay Mitra, IEF, University of Essex (UK)
- Paulami Mitra, IESEG School of Management (France)
- Moctar Naba, Université de Tahoua (Niger)
- Malam Maman Nafiou, Université Abdou Moumouni (Niger)
- Nirjha Nigam, ICN Business School ARTEM-CEREFIGE (France)
- Kandioura NoBa, Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Sénégal)
- dt ogilvie, Rochester Institute of Technology (USA)
- Ingrid Poncin, UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium)
- Ali Sakola Djika, Université Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso)
- Hamadou Saliah-Hassane, University of TÉLUQ (Canada) and IEEE
- Idrissa Sarr (TBC), Université Cheik Anta Diop (Sénégal)
- Alastaire Séna Alinsato, Université Abomey-Calavi (Bénin)
- Konan A. Seny Kan, Grenoble Ecole de Management (France)
- Etotépé A. Sogbohossou, Université Senghor (Egypt)
- Valérie Swaen, LouRIM, UCLouvain (Belgium)
- Thierry Verdel, Université Senghor (Egypt)
- Géraldine Zeimers, UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium)
Organizing committee
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Conference Architects & Co-Chairs (Organizers)
Valérie Swaen,President of LouRIM, UCLouvain (Belgium);Mahamadou Biga Diambeidou,UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium) & ICN Business School ARTEM & CEREFIGE (France); Benoit Gailly,UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium); Jay Mitra,IEF, University of Essex (UK); Assalih Jaghfar,CAMES (Burkina-Faso)
-
Journal Editors
Journal of African Business (Moses Acqua); International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Emerging Economies (Jay Mitra); Recherche et Applications en Marketing (Ingrid Poncin);Business & Society Review (Nuno Guimarães-Costa); Cleaner Waste Systems Journal (Fernando J. Díaz López); Gestion 2000 (Maria-Giuseppina Bruna); Management & Sciences Sociales (Maria-Giuseppina Bruna).
- Facilitators
Ababacar Mbengue,Société Africaine de Management & Université de Reims;dt ogilvie,Rochester Institute of Technology;Géraldine Zeimers,UCLouvain, LouRIM;Konan A. Seny Kan,Grenoble Ecole de Management (France);Mafini Dosso,European Commission JRC; Sanvi Avouyi-Dovi,Banque de France & ICN Business School;Nuno Guimarães-Costa,ICN Business School ARTEM;Matthew Hawkins,ICN Business School ARTEM & CEREFIGE; Hareesh Mavoori,ICN Business School ARTEM & CEREFIGE; Nirjha Nigam,ICN Business School ARTEM & CEREFIGE; Sergio Arzeni,INSME; Marcus Dejardins ,UCLouvain & Université de Namur; Rey Dang,ISTEC Paris (France); Ingrid Poncin,UCLouvain, LouRIM; Julie Hermans (TBC),UCLouvain.
- Administrative team
Sylvie Baudine, Head of administrative unit; Maud Lebrun, Communication and Events Manager; Heike Rämer, Secretary; Laura Vecchiato, Activities and Event Coordinator; Linda Warnier, “Project Coordinator”
- Research Assistant
Ulvick Houssou, PhD candidate, ICN Business School ARTEM and Université Lorraine (France); Daniel Manyabe, PhD candidate, Kyungpook National University (South Korea); Toussaint Bugandwa Ciza, PhD student, UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium) and Université Catholique de Bukavu (DRC); Yeguignafere Diarrassouba, PhD Student, CESAG (Senegal); Franck Ronald Foadin, PhD student, UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium)
Invited Speakers
Publication
AfRIC2022 proceedings will be published in
Venue
The conference will be held Online : 24th, 25th and 26th October 2022
Contact
All questions about submissions should be emailed to :
Mahamadou Biga Diambeidou,UCLouvain, LouRIM (Belgium) & ICN Business School ARTEM & CEREFIGE (France)