ICSBandOECD
Strengthening Global Collaboration:
ICSB’s Partnership with OECD
The International Council for Small Business (ICSB) stands as a beacon of global collaboration, championing entrepreneurship and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide. In pursuit of this mission, ICSB has forged a strategic partnership with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), an international organization dedicated to building better policies for better lives since 2014.
Established on September 30, 1961, the OECD has been at the forefront of shaping economic policies to promote prosperity and well-being across its member countries. With its headquarters in Paris, the OECD’s work spans a wide range of areas, including economic growth, employment, education, and innovation.
ICSB has served as a non-governmental partner organization on the Committee on SMEs and Entrepreneurship (CSMEE) within the OECD framework. This partnership has provided ICSB with a unique platform to contribute to sharing knowledge and views on policies and initiatives that support MSMEs and entrepreneurship on a global scale. OECD was the first organization to support ICSB in creating the UN MSMEs in 2016.
Recently, ICSB participated in the 6th Session of the Committee on SMEs and Entrepreneurship (CSMEE), underscoring its commitment to advancing the interests of MSMEs worldwide. Dr. KiChan Kim, Chair of the Board of ICSB, Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Immediate Past Chair, Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy, President and CEO of ICSB, and Dr. Hartmut Mayer, ICSB Board Member, were among the esteemed representatives who attended the session. Dr. Thomas Heupel, Vice-Rector for Research of FOM University of Economics & Management
Furthermore, ICSB, in collaboration with the government of Switzerland, hosted an OECD reception to support the critical work on MSMEs and to foster further collaboration. During the reception, Dr. Hartmut Mayer delivered a brief presentation on the upcoming ICSB World Congress, extending a warm invitation to all delegates to attend and contribute to the global conversation on entrepreneurship and SME development.
Through its partnership with OECD and active participation in global initiatives like the Committee on SMEs and Entrepreneurship, ICSB continues to drive positive change and empower entrepreneurs and MSMEs worldwide. These organizations are paving the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future for all.
The collaboration between ICSB and OECD exemplifies the power of partnership in addressing complex global challenges and creating opportunities for sustainable growth and development. As we look ahead, we must continue strengthening and expanding such collaborations to foster entrepreneurship and SMEs as economic and social progress engines.
Asking good questions in the age of Generative AI
Unlocking the full potential of innovative technologies like ChatGPT relies on asking well-formulated questions. Asking the right questions grants the freedom to harness the full potential of available technologies, akin to fully utilizing the capabilities of a sports car.
Driving Success: ICSB’s 2023 Academy
Recognizing the benefits of a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary, immersive environment for entrepreneurship education, the ICSB Academy fosters diverse perspectives, enhances creativity, and cultivates cultural sensitivity among students, preparing them to navigate international markets and forge lasting partnership.
EastandWest
This interplay of Eastern and Western entrepreneurial philosophies will be in the spotlight at Gwangju’s 67th ICSB World Congress. With a timely theme – “Entrepreneurship for Humanity and Peace” – the Congress will bring together thought leaders from across the globe. It promises to be a unique platform that explores the synergies and differences in global entrepreneurial practices, paving the way for a more harmonious and peaceful entrepreneurial ecosystem.
ICSBandAirtifae
The International Council for Small Business, in conjunction with Airtifae Global Services, will host the 10×10 Program during ICSB’s 2023 World Congress in South Korea, July 9-14. This program promotes trade between small- and medium-sized businesses from the United States and other countries. To do so, ICSB, in collaboration with Airtifae Global Services, aims to explain and counsel SME companies on expanding their operations internationally by ensuring a strategic plan to understand the market, identify key partners and opportunities, and utilize capital.
Following ICSB’s vision to promote the growth and development of SMEs internationally, Airtifae Global Services has partnered with us to provide SMEs with in-depth knowledge and guidance to “go global” and how this initiative will impact the local economy.
WhyMSMEs
The United Nations Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day is an annual event celebrated on June 27th. The day was created to recognize MSMEs’ critical role in driving economic growth and creating jobs worldwide. In addition, it is an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges MSMEs face and encourage governments, policymakers, and stakeholders to take action to support them.
Korean Entrepreneurship
A new academic paper to be published in July 2023 by ICSB seeks to explore the historical evolution of Korean entrepreneurship, focusing on the role of Jo Shik, a renowned Confucian scholar during the Joseon dynasty, and the city of Jinju in South Korea.
The Socratic AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized how we learn and access information. However, it is crucial to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance on how to use AI-powered tools effectively. Faculty should support students using AI through the Socratic method and video-based learning.
Human-Centered versus People-Centered
People-centered approaches tend to prioritize the needs and concerns of specific groups or communities, while human-centered approaches prioritize all individuals’ fundamental needs and values. While both approaches have benefits and drawbacks, it is essential to understand the distinctions to determine which method is appropriate for a given situation.
WhenAIMeetsSmallBusiness
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the landscape of small businesses by offering new solutions to long-standing problems. However, while AI can potentially increase efficiency and productivity, it also comes with challenges.
HumaneEntandSDGS
Humane entrepreneurship and the UN SDGs are closely connected, aiming to create a more sustainable and equitable world. By incorporating the SDGs into their business models and practices, humane entrepreneurs can positively impact society and the environment while achieving financial success.