Inspired by the 1955 Bandung Conference, the first Asian-African conference, Cornell professors of emerging markets, private sector players, and Indonesian government officials are planning to organize an international conference to facilitate a South-South dialogue across national and continental boundaries to explore ways in which small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises in the Global South can engage with each other and more fully participate in the benefits of global markets. International organizations have long used the term “South-South cooperation” to refer to collaboration among developing countries. Under the aegis of South-South cooperation, many laudable initiatives involving collaboration between governments, government agencies, and public institutions have emerged. South-South interactions and transactions in various private sector industries, particularly amongst SMEs, are taking place every day but with less fanfare in the media, in policy circles, and in academic research.

The Future of SMEs: A South-South Dialogue is intended to be a forum to highlight private sector South-South interactions and trends, focusing on the food, natural resources, service, and tech industries. The event is designed to acquaint SMEs to growing South-South market opportunities; to extend the conversation about African-Asian economic connections beyond bilateral treaties and relationships; to draw attention to the underlying forces and trends in South-South trade; and to facilitate dialogue among entrepreneurs and policymakers on how best to influence regional cooperation to enhance economic development.

The SMART Challenge

With the goal of hosting an international dialogue in Indonesia in late 2024 or early 2025, a major effort is needed to organize the participation of international agencies and private sector players. A secretariat (or some other organizational model) will need to be established to implement day-to-day activities. Students will be tasked with researching and writing a report that addresses the following questions:

1. What organizational models are available for planning and implementing such a South-South conference?
2. What are the underlying trends in SME contribution to economic development in selected Asian and African countries?
3. What are the best practices in creating an enabling environment for SMEs?
4. Who are the innovators in South-South cooperation, product development, and knowledge exchange?

Desired Team Skills

• Background in International Development, Applied Economics and Management, Economics, Statistics, Policy
• Knowledge/interest in economics and management
• Strong writing, communication, and social media skills
• Team player – cultural humility, resilient, and flexible

Project Lead and Faculty Advisors

Ralph Christy | Professor, Applied Economics and Policy, Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management

Iwan Azis | Professor, Applied Economics and Policy, Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management

        Field dates: Jan 15-19, 2024
        Field location: Washington DC