- Three-day conference explores the evolving landscape of the knowledge economy
Indian Institute of Management Indore is hosting the 15th edition of its flagship International Conference on Excellence in Research and Education (CERE) from May 02-04, 2025. With the theme “Paradigm Shift in the Knowledge Economy,” this year’s conference aims to explore how digital transformation, sustainability, global disruptions, and evolving societal values are reshaping the production and application of knowledge in academia, industry, and governance.
The conference was inaugurated by Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore. He emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in how educational institutions operate in today’s evolving knowledge economy. He mentioned that institutions must reimagine their approach to research in the evolving knowledge economy. “While theoretical models are valuable, research today must aim to address real-world problems and generate actionable insights. Institutions must move beyond academic silos to create, curate, and apply knowledge in ways that are socially relevant and ethically grounded” he said. Research should not just exist in journals—it should contribute meaningfully to society and help develop leaders who can drive change with integrity. “Institutions must practice what they preach—preparing leaders who can solve real-world problems through research that goes beyond theory,” he noted. He concluded with three guiding principles: be compassionate, know your true identity beyond designations or wealth, and always do the right thing—both as researchers and as human beings. This, he said, is the path to true excellence.
Welcoming the participants, Prof. Shruti Tewari, Dean – Research, highlighted the significance of CERE as a confluence of research, academic excellence, and practice. She emphasized the theme’s timeliness in light of the global shift toward innovation-led economies and interdisciplinary knowledge systems.
Also present at the inaugural session were Prof. Ramadhar Singh, Distinguished University Professor, Ahmedabad University; Prof. Debjit Roy (IIM Ahmedabad), Prof. Sayantan Banerjee, Faculty, IIM Indore; and Prof. Manish Popli.
The conference received an overwhelming response, with over 350 paper submissions from 640 authors nationwide. After a rigorous review process, 66 high-quality papers were selected for presentation. Participants represented more than 70 prestigious institutions from across the country, underscoring CERE’s growing reputation as a premier platform for academic exchange and interdisciplinary research.
The three-day conference will also feature eight expert-led workshops covering a wide range of contemporary research areas. These workshops will be conducted by distinguished academicians, including Prof. Ramadhar Singh (Ahmedabad University), Prof. Debjit Roy (IIM Ahmedabad), Prof. Sushanta Mishra (IIM Bangalore), Prof. Lakshmi Goyal (IIM Ahmedabad), Prof. Sayantan Banerjee (IIM Indore), Prof. Devi Vijay (IIM Calcutta), Prof. Tara Shankar Shaw (IIT Bombay), and Prof. Belgin Somerville (University of Glasgow, UK).
The sessions will be delving into topics such as research fundamentals, digital decision-making in supply chains, curvilinear relationships, problematization in management research, financial time series forecasting, critical research in organizing, empirical corporate governance, and navigating academic careers. Designed especially for doctoral scholars and early-career researchers, these workshops will offer hands-on learning and critical engagement with real-world challenges.
CERE creates a platform for learning, sharing, and collaboration, reaffirming IIM Indore’s commitment to thought leadership, interdisciplinary dialogue, and shaping the future of management education in the knowledge-driven economy.