Small Places Can Change the World
The Fourth Fulbright Academy Conference explores innovation in "small places". Some fascinating developments are coming out of smaller countries: USA, India, China and other big countries do not have a monopoly on innovation. We will discuss how businesses, NGOs, governments and institutions of higher education in other parts of the world working individually or collaboratively to secure a better economic future. We will examine future trends and current success stores.
Click here for the program
Smaller countries are laboratories for innovation - economic innovation, social innovation, scientific innovation. Because of their size, smaller countries also can be rapid adopters of new ideas and technologies. In addition, some of these small jurisdictions have carved out and maintain a niche in the global economy. How does this happen? What can Fulbrighters and leaders in other countries, businesses and organizations learn from your experiences?
The program in Macedonia will be a place to learn, to share, to engage and to enjoy. Please join us for four days of fun and education in Skopje, Macedonia, on March 24-27, 2009.
Our Lead Sponsors:
- Seavus Group
- Ss Cyril & Methodius University
- Deloitte - Macedonia
- FON University
- South Eastern European University
- University American College
- Pal Kris Winery
- Macedonian Enterprise Development Foundation
Converence Materials:
Conference Registration Form - Information on registration by fax/mail.
Online Registration & Payment - Register and pay online.
Who's Coming - List of registered and expected attendees
Conference Sponsorship Information - Promote your mission and support our mission.
Online Abstract Submittal - Submit your presentation ideas online - Final Call issued on Feb. 4.
Our program will be an opportunity for you to share your knowledge and learn from others. Macedonia is the host for the conference because of the great changes that have taken place in Eastern and South-eastern Europe in the past two decades. Come early or stay late to go skiing or participate in tours and other programs. You can attend for two or three days, or for the full week. Tours include visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other cultural sites, technology-based businesses and natural areas in Macedonia.
Registration is $400/person, with discounts for Fulbright scholars and participants from low- and middle-income countries, students, and other special guests. For example, the registration rate for participants from Macedonia and neighboring countries is $75/person.
The planning committee has defined "small" to be a country with fewer than 12.5 million inhabitants (or 0.2% of the world's population). In some countries, the provinces & states have great autonomy, so we also will consider the innovation at sub-national jurisdictions. Note that the world's eleven largest countries each have more than 100 million people and they account for over 60% of the world's population (China, India, USA, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Russia, Japan, Mexico). We chose 12.5 million because it is about 1% of the population of China or India, 4% of the USA or 10% of Japan.
Proposed Topics for the Conference:*
- Innovation & Economic Development
- Economic Policy
- Small & Mid-sized Enterprises
- R&D in the Private Sector
- Private / Public Partnerships
- Macedonia
- the Balkan Region
- International examples
- Education & Training
- Higher education
- Workforce development
- Innovation in Industry
- IT / Telecoms
- Agriculture
* These are the proposed topics. The goal of the conference will be to highlight how countries have been innovative, and how these ideas might be applied in other jurisdictions - small countries as well as large. We are seeking examples from these sectors and in other sectors. The conference will have oral presentations, panel discussions, roundtables and poster sessions.
Getting Involved:
Presenters/Participants: Please send your name and contact information to the Conference Co-chairs if you would like to kept informed about the meeting. The Program committee is also seeking potential speakers, presenters, sponsors, and partners. Email: info@FulbrightAcademy.org. Individuals can also call FAST for details: +1-207-799-3098.
Click here to submit your abstract.
Registration:
- On-line Registration opened on 15 October at http://www.fulbrightacademy.org/
- Registration will be $400/person, with discounts of up to 75% depending on the home country & professional level.
- See box at right for information about discounts and Early-bird registration, or click here for the Conference Registration Form
- See this page for additional information about accommodations, cancellations and other important notices.
Conference Hosts:
- Fulbright alumni groups in the Balkan region and around Europe, North Africa and the Middle East are receiving special invitations to participate in the program.
Program Committee:
- Dr. Clarisse Molad, Committee Co-chair (USA & Macedonia)
- Dr. Atanas Kocov, Director, National Cleaner Production Center, Ss Cyril and Methodius University (Macedonia)
- Mr. Eric Howard, Executive Director, Fulbright Academy of Science & Technology (USA)
Updated: February 22, 2009
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