19th – 20th December 2025
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of North East India’s economy, driving employment, regional development, and inclusive growth. Yet, they face persistent challenges such as limited access to technology, inadequate infrastructure, and restricted market reach.
The adoption of Industry 4.0 tools—including automation, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and the Internet of Things—offers transformative opportunities for MSMEs to modernize production, enhance efficiency, and compete in national and global markets. Technology intervention not only reduces costs and improves quality but also fosters sustainability and resilience. For the North East, such digital transformation is particularly significant in sectors like agro-processing, handicrafts, textiles, and tourism.
Strategic collaborations, skill development, financial support, and enabling policies will be essential to unlock these opportunities and position the region as a hub for innovation and sustainable growth.
The Seminar is jointly hosted by the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis, IIM Shillong, and AMTRON, Assam. It seeks to empower MSMEs in the North East by fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience through technology adoption and Industry 4.0 solutions.
Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, funding agencies, government representatives, research scholars, and faculty, the Seminar will serve as a platform to share knowledge, build partnerships, and chart the roadmap for MSME transformation in the region.
The Seminar will feature a diverse set of activities designed to encourage dialogue, innovation, and collaboration:
Located amidst the green hills of North East India, IIM Shillong began operations in 2008 with a vision to excel in management education and research. Known for its academic rigor and emphasis on sustainability, the institute nurtures ethical values, compassion, and social responsibility in business leadership.
The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Centre for Policy Research and Analysis at IIM Shillong is a joint initiative of MDoNER, NEC, and IIM Shillong. Established in 2016, the Centre functions as a policy think tank dedicated to evidence-based policymaking, innovation, and capacity building in the North East. Its work spans five pillars: Training & Development, Research & Consultancy, Policy Advocacy, Knowledge Dissemination, and Civic Engagement.
Assam Electronics Development Corporation Limited (AMTRON), a Government of Assam enterprise, plays a pivotal role in advancing technology and innovation in the North East. Its flagship initiatives include the 3D Printing Centre of Excellence (3D CoE) and the 5G Lab/Experience Centre at Tech City, Guwahati. It has also engaged with Central Public Sector Undertakings in adoption of Industry 4.0 as a Whole of Government Approach. These initiatives foster innovation, prototyping, skill development, digital adoption, and advanced connectivity solutions across diverse sectors, thereby strengthening the region’s technological ecosystem.
BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED (BSNL) was formed by corporatization of the erstwhile Department of Telecom Services & came into being on 15th September 2000. The company has taken over w.e.f. 01.10.2000 the erstwhile functions of the Department of Telecom in respect of provision of telecom services across the length and breadth of the country excluding Delhi & Mumbai. At the time of corporatization of BSNL, the Cabinet decision stipulated that Government shall provide a package of measures to ensure that the viability of BSNL is not impaired by providing uneconomic but socially desirable services at the behest of the Government. BSNL is a 100% Govt. of India owned Public Sector Undertaking.
Original contributions are invited from scholars, practitioners, and thought leaders across disciplines such as Economics, Sociology, Responsible Business, Marketing, Finance & Accounting, HR & OB, Strategy & Entrepreneurship, Operations, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Submissions may include theoretical frameworks, empirical research, case studies, or innovative methodologies.
Publication Opportunities: Selected papers will be considered for publication in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes with ISBN.
Best Paper Awards: Awards for Best Paper and Best Student Paper will be conferred based on blind peer review.
Full Paper Submission Opens | 15th October 2025 |
Submission Closes | 15th November 2025 |
Intimation of Acceptance | 5th December 2025 |
Registration Opens | 6th December 2025 |
Registration Closes | 15th December 2025 |
Seminar Dates | 19th December to 20th December 2025 |
The Seminar aims to generate tangible and impactful outputs that can guide both policymakers and practitioners:
Prof. Nalini Prava Tripathy, Director (i/c), IIM Shillong
Shri Satinder Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, North Eastern Council
Shri Rovert Ravi, CMD, BSNL
Email : apjcentre@iimshillong.ac.in
Phone Number: 0364-2308098
About IIM Shillong
IIM Shillong, the seventh IIM in India, has been set up with a vision to become an internationally recognized Management Institute with a Global outlook grounded in Indian values. From its inception, it has been constantly working towards a lofty mission to generate and disseminate knowledge in all aspects of management education with a focus on Sustainability and building innovative leadership.
Travelling to Shillong
Surrounded by verdant hills, Shillong offers a beautiful panoramic view of the graceful scenic countryside. Shillong can be reached by taxi from Guwahati airport/railway station, which is about120 km away. Guwahati airport is well connected to many major cities in India including Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Helicopter services are also available between Guwahati and Shillong. Shillong is connected to Assam, Manipur, Tripura, West Bengal and New Delhi through direct flights.