URAAN PAKISTAN - 38th Annual PSDE Conference
PiDE
Pakistan Institute of Development Economics
Pakistan Society of
Development Economists
PSDE
Since 1982
Informed-Interaction. Inspire. Impact.
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CALL FOR PAPERS – 38TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & CONFERENCE OF THE PAKISTAN SOCIETY OF DEVELOPMENT ECONOMISTS

URAAN PAKISTAN

Growth through
Digital Transformation

CONCEPT NOTE & CALL FOR PAPERS

APRIL 15-17, 2025

ISLAMABAD

UNLOCKING PAKISTAN'S DIGITAL FUTURE

As the world races ahead in the digital revolution, Pakistan stands at a crossroads. The ambition of URAAN Pakistan—a trillion-dollar economy by 2035—rests on the nation's ability to harness digital transformation as the engine of sustainable growth. This vision is not just about technology; it's about reimagining Pakistan's economic trajectory, where digitization fuels exports, drives innovation, enhances energy efficiency, transforms education, and ensures economic equality.

Against this backdrop, the 38th Annual PSDE Conference will convene the brightest minds—policy-makers, economists, researchers, industry leaders, and digital pioneers—to chart a course for Pakistan's digital-first future. This conference will not just analyze global best practices but will craft actionable strategies tailored to Pakistan's unique challenges. How can digital technologies unlock new markets, expand financial inclusion, and drive a competitive knowledge economy? What policies can ensure that Pakistan doesn't just catch up but leads the digital race in South Asia?

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CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES

  • Accelerating Digital Transformation: Identify key policy interventions that can position Pakistan as a leader in the digital economy, ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.
  • Global Best Practices, Local Adaptation: Examine successful digital infrastructure projects, AI-driven economic models, and digital governance frameworks from around the world—tailoring them to Pakistan's needs.

CONFERENCE SUB-THEMES

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE

  • Fintech Revolution: Reshaping Economies and Financial Inclusion
  • The Future of Work: Labor Market Shifts in the Digital Era
  • AI-Driven Learning: The Next Frontier in Education
  • Reskilling the Workforce: Preparing Youth for the Digital Age
  • Regulating the Digital Economy: Policies for Innovation and Security
  • Scaling IT Services Exports: Unlocking New Markets and Opportunities

DIGITAL ECONOMY AND INCLUSIVITY

  • Freelancing & Gig Economy: Challenges and Opportunities
  • Bridging Pakistan's IT Gap: Identifying Missing Links in the Ecosystem
  • CPEC-II and the Digital Learning Corridor: Tapping into Regional Potential
  • Metaverse & the Future Economy: Hype or Transformative Opportunity?
  • Blockchain Beyond Cryptocurrency: Applications for Governance and Industry
  • Breaking Mental Barriers to Digitalization: Cognitive Inertia and Adoption Challenges
  • Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: Safeguarding Pakistan's digital Transformation

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

  • Digital Twins & Smart Cities: Transforming Infrastructure and Urban Planning
  • AI for Climate Resilience: Innovative Solutions for Sustainability
  • Digitalization as a Solution for the Informal Economy
  • Overcoming Cultural Barriers to Digital Adoption
  • AI in Policymaking: Enhancing Public Sector Efficiency
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BEST PAPER AWARDS: RECOGNIZING RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

To promote cutting-edge research that informs policy and economic transformation, the 38th AGM Conference will honor outstanding papers with prestigious awards:

1ST PRIZE
PKR
300,000/-

For groundbreaking research shaping Pakistan's digital economy

2ND PRIZE
PKR
200,000/-

Recognizing depth, relevance, and impact

3RD PRIZE
PKR
100,000/-

Awarded for innovative insights into digital policy and economic growth

INCENTIVES FOR PRESENTERS

To ensure accessibility and participation from all regions, travel, accommodation, and meals will be covered for all paper presenters, fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment.

INVITED PAPERS: DRIVING HIGH-LEVEL POLICY DISCOURSE

To elevate policy engagement, the conference will feature invited papers from renowned economists, policymakers, and digital strategists shaping Pakistan's economic and technological future. Selected contributors will receive a PKR 100,000 honorarium in recognition of their expertise and contribution.

CONFERENCE STRUCTURE

The conference will feature:

  • Distinguished Special Lectures from global experts
  • 4-5 High-Impact Panel Discussions with policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers
  • 9 Technical Sessions dedicated to in-depth research presentations
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BE PART OF PAKISTAN'S DIGITAL REVOLUTION

The future of Pakistan's economy will not be built on the industries of yesterday—it will be defined by how effectively we embrace digital transformation today. This conference is your opportunity to shape the policies, innovations, and strategies that will drive Pakistan toward a trillion-dollar economy. Join us in this critical dialogue and contribute your research to Pakistan's digital future.

IMPORTANT DATES

Submission Deadline March 25, 2025
Notification of Accepted Papers April 10, 2025
38th Annual PSDE Conference April 15-17, 2025

For paper submission, please email at: submissions_psde@pide.org.pk

Conference details: psde.pide.org.pk | 051-9248049

Submit Your Paper Today!