From September 18 to 20, 2024, the 22nd Interdisciplinary European Conference on Entrepreneurship Research (IECER) took place at MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®. Under the theme “NEXTGen_eration Entrepreneurship”, renowned researchers, entrepreneurs and thought leaders came together to discuss the future of entrepreneurship. The conference was co-hosted by the UNESCO Chair for Futures Capability for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which is also based at MCI.
As one of the leading international platforms for entrepreneurial research and practice, IECER 2024 attracted numerous experts from 22 nations to Innsbruck. With more than 110 participants, the conference offered a unique forum for exchanging innovative ideas, pioneering research and examples of successful practical solutions.
In keynote speeches and workshops with David Audretsch, Susan Marlow and Ted Fuller, participants received top-class inspiration for their research work. Six co-editors of high-quality journals gave young researchers tips on how to successfully publish their research findings.
Focus on youth and women entrepreneurship
A particular highlight of the conference was the examination of the role and situation of young and female entrepreneurs in business and society. Various presentations and workshops examined how the younger generation is redefining the entrepreneurial playing field. The solutions presented by David Plaseller (Revitalyze) and Michael Renzler and Manuel Ferdik (evopix) impressed in equal measure with their technological expertise and their strong commitment to sustainable and socially responsible business practices.
In addition to young entrepreneurship, the focus was also on female entrepreneurship. Successful female entrepreneurs such as Nina Fauland (wiasano GmbH), Eva Littringer (RevIVe) and Marlene Leiß (The Graduate Guide) showed how they not only achieve economic success through innovative solutions, but also master social and ecological challenges. At the same time, it became clear that female founders in Austria still have to contend with stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination.
The MCI as an innovative host
As host of this conference, MCI once again demonstrated its role as The Entrepreneurial School®. With its strong roots in entrepreneurial education and research, MCI is a driving force for innovation and entrepreneurship in Europe. The conference offered MCI researchers the opportunity to present their expertise in the field of entrepreneurship to an international audience and at the same time promote interdisciplinary exchange between science and practice.
A look into the future of entrepreneurship
IECER 2024 once again made it clear that the future of entrepreneurship will be significantly shaped by the next generation. Young entrepreneurs and innovative business models are at the center of this development, and the importance of sustainability and social responsibility is growing in the business world. MCI is pleased to be part of this dynamic movement and to actively contribute to shaping an inclusive, sustainable and innovative economy through events such as the IECER conference.
We would like to thank all participants and speakers for their valuable contributions and look forward to continuing to offer a central platform for dialog on the future of entrepreneurship in the future. A special thank you to the City of Innsbruck and the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce for their support of the conference! Last but not least, we would like to thank MCI Rector Andreas Altmann for his willingness to host the IECER at MCI for the second time after 2018, as well as our team Oliver Som, Bettina Stichauner, Michaela Wurzer and Madlen Loretz for the all-round successful implementation and organization.
Welcome Address with Antje Bierwisch ©Madlen Loretz
Entrepreneurship Sessions ©Madlen Loretz
Group photo at the Hungerburg ©Madlen Loretz
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