International Conference at Panjab University Explores Future Business Trends
Panjab University's University Business School (UBS) in Chandigarh successfully organized an international conference titled "Future of Business: Innovation, Sustainability and Global Transformation" on Saturday. The event, held at the ICSSR Complex, attracted more than 150 participants, including researchers, academics, and industry professionals, who engaged in deep discussions on the evolving global business environment.
Key Themes and Discussions
The day-long conference featured a series of research presentations covering a wide range of critical topics. Key areas of focus included:
- Artificial Intelligence and its impact on business operations
- Digital transformation strategies for modern enterprises
- ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices and corporate responsibility
- Financial risk management in emerging markets
- Corporate governance frameworks for sustainable growth
In her welcome address, Prof Parmjit Kaur, Chairperson of UBS, emphasized that innovation and sustainability are now interconnected drivers essential for both national and global competitiveness. She highlighted the need for businesses to adapt to these dual imperatives to thrive in today's dynamic market.
Insights from Industry and Academic Leaders
Gurmeet Singh Chawla, Managing Director of Master Portfolio Services, delivered a keynote speech urging research scholars to shift from theoretical models to practical problem-solving. He stated that contemporary businesses are evaluated not only on profitability but also on their societal and environmental contributions, calling for a more applied approach in academic research.
Joining virtually from the United Kingdom, Dr Anandadeep Mandal of Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, presented on the concept of the regenerative economy. He argued that this model, which focuses on restoring ecosystems and empowering communities, is already a reality for competitive global businesses rather than a future possibility.
Dr Susima Samudrika, an alumna of UBS now at the University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka, participated as an international guest of honour. She stressed the importance of flexible, inclusive, and empathetic leadership in unlocking human potential, which she identified as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable growth in organizations.
Technical Sessions and Academic Contributions
The conference included multiple technical sessions chaired by senior faculty members such as Prof Gunmala Suri, Prof Navdeep Kaur, and Prof Tejinder Pal Singh. These sessions delved into specialized areas including:
- Digital transformation and its implementation challenges
- AI applications in business analytics and decision-making
- Financial analytics for improved corporate performance
- Enterprise risk management and insurance strategies
Prof Yojna Rawat, Dean of University Instructions, highlighted the role of data-driven strategies in addressing pressing global challenges. She pointed out that sustainable finance is a key enabler for value-driven decision-making, urging participants to integrate empirical data into their business models.
The event concluded with a consensus on the need for continuous collaboration between academia and industry to foster innovation and sustainability in the global business landscape. The discussions underscored Chandigarh's growing prominence as a hub for academic and professional discourse on critical economic issues.
