Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) successfully hosted the International Conference on Transition, Resilience and Applied Economics (ICTRAE 2026), a two-day event that convened leading economists, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts from across India. The conference focused on emerging economic challenges and sustainable development, reinforcing MUJ's commitment to research excellence and evidence-based policymaking.
Conference Inauguration and Key Themes
Organized by the Department of Economics, TAPMI School of Business, Faculty of Management, Commerce and Arts, ICTRAE 2026 was inaugurated with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar of Manipal University Jaipur, and Dr. Brajesh Kumar, Dean of the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Arts, led the event, joined by university leadership, directors, department heads, faculty members, and delegates from institutions nationwide. Dr. Brajesh Kumar welcomed participants, emphasizing the importance of collaborative research in addressing contemporary economic issues.
Dr. Amit Soni delivered the inaugural address, highlighting MUJ's strong research ecosystem and ongoing efforts to promote interdisciplinary research and innovation. He underscored the institution's growing achievements in research, innovation, and academic excellence, reaffirming its commitment to creating globally relevant knowledge.
Keynote Addresses and Expert Sessions
The inaugural keynote address was delivered by Dr. Naresh Chandra Sahu, Associate Professor at IIT Bhubaneswar, who spoke on "ESG Performance: Evolution, Investor Behaviour, and Research Evidence from an Emerging Market." He emphasized the increasing significance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices in shaping responsible investments, corporate sustainability, and long-term economic growth, particularly in emerging economies.
Over two days, the conference featured five thematic technical tracks, keynote lectures, expert sessions, and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics, including economic transition, climate resilience, financial stability, public policy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. Distinguished scholars such as Dr. Ayona Bhattacharjee (IMI New Delhi), Dr. Tulika Tripathi (Central University of Gujarat), and Dr. Vishal Dagar (Great Lakes Institute of Management) delivered expert lectures. Technical sessions were chaired by eminent academicians from premier institutions, fostering meaningful academic dialogue and exchange of research ideas.
Valedictory Address and Academic Impact
The conference concluded with a valedictory keynote address by Dr. Sarthak Gaurav from IIT Bombay, who spoke on "Some Thoughts on Complexity Economics." He offered fresh insights into understanding complex economic systems and their implications for public policy, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
ICTRAE 2026 attracted an enthusiastic response from the academic fraternity, with participants from premier institutions including IITs, NITs, Central Universities, State Universities, and other leading higher education institutions across the country, reflecting the conference's growing academic stature.
Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals
The organizing committee stated that ICTRAE 2026 has emerged as a vibrant platform for advancing interdisciplinary research, encouraging academic collaborations, and strengthening evidence-based policy dialogue. The conference reflects Manipal University Jaipur's vision of promoting globally relevant research that contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while strengthening India's research and innovation ecosystem.
University leadership expressed satisfaction over the successful organization of the conference and reiterated that such academic initiatives play a vital role in fostering high-quality research, nurturing innovation, and positioning Manipal University Jaipur as a leading centre for knowledge creation and policy-oriented research.
