World Entrepreneurship Development Organization (WeDO)

Section 1: Call for Papers – World Futures Forum 2026

India SME Forum in association with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the World Entrepreneurship Development Organisation (WEDO) invites researchers, academicians, policy experts, industry practitioners and technology leaders to submit abstracts from white papers or research papers for the World Futures Forum (WFF) 2026.

The two-day World Futures Forum will be held in person in New Delhi, India, and will convene innovators, policymakers, senior government leaders, global institutions, industry leaders, investors and ecosystem partners. The Forum aims to bring together over 1,000 MSMEs to generate actionable insights, policy recommendations, practical frameworks and scalable pathways to strengthen MSME competitiveness and foster inclusive and sustainable growth.

Audience participation at the Forum will be in person only. Authors whose abstracts and papers are shortlisted may be invited to present their work at WFF 2026, with the option to present either in person or virtually.

Theme: The Future of Industry, Enterprise and Livelihood in the Global South

Conference Details

Dates: 11–12 February 2026
Venue: New Delhi, India
Mode of Presentation: Hybrid (In-person & Virtual)

About the Call for Papers

This Call for Papers seeks evidence-based, policy-relevant and practice-oriented research examining industrial transformation, enterprise development and livelihood creation in the Global South, with a particular focus on MSMEs, emerging technologies and inclusive growth.

The objective is to generate research insights that can inform governments, global institutions and industry stakeholders in building resilient, competitive and future-ready enterprise ecosystems.

Publication & Presentation

Presented at World Futures Forum 2026, New Delhi
Published in the compendium “The Future of Industry, Enterprise and Livelihood in the Global South”
Shared with relevant ministries, policymakers and ecosystem institutions
Made available online

Section 2: Guidelines

Thematic Areas for Abstract Submission

Abstracts must align with one or more of the following themes:

Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
Smart Industrial Clusters & Advanced Manufacturing
MSME & Enterprise Competitiveness
Inclusive Growth, Employment & Livelihoods
ESG, Sustainability & Responsible Business
Innovation, Intellectual Property & Future Skills
Digital Transformation & Cross-Border Trade

Abstract Requirements

Maximum length must not exceed 500 words
Clearly state the theme(s) addressed
Present the problem statement and context
Outline the framework, policy insight or case study
Highlight practical relevance, scalability and policy implications
Indicate expected outcomes or contributions

Submission Process

Step 1: Submit an abstract for review
Step 2: Shortlisted authors will be invited to submit full papers

Submissions under the theme Inclusive Growth, Employment & Livelihoods are encouraged to reflect gender diversity among co-authors.

Key Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: 22 January 2026
Notification of Selection: Via email
Full Paper Submission Deadline: 28 January 2026
Result Announcement: 2 February 2026

Abstracts must be submitted only through the official application form. Submissions received via email or after the deadline will not be considered.

Section 3: Terms and Conditions

There is no registration or participation fee for applying.
Only submissions aligned with the specified thematic areas will be reviewed.
All submissions must be original. Plagiarism or misrepresentation will lead to disqualification.
Disputed or rule-violating submissions will be disqualified.
Selected papers may be presented at WFF 2026, published in the official compendium, shared with policymakers and made available online.
Authors must submit an abstract before submitting a full paper. Only shortlisted abstracts will be invited for full paper submission.
Selected authors may be invited to present at WFF 2026. Presentation formats and schedules will be communicated in advance.
In-person presenters must bear their own travel expenses. Accommodation for up to two authors for two nights will be provided.
Visa invitation letters may be issued to international authors upon request.
By submitting a paper, authors grant the organizers non-exclusive rights to publish the content with due acknowledgment.
Decisions of the Publication Committee are final and binding.
Submission signifies full acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.

I have read, understood and fully agree to the above Terms & Conditions and I shall fully abide by them. To read the complete Terms & Conditions, click here.

Call for Papers – World Futures Forum 2026