IIFT Hosts Global Business Research Conference Amid Economic Uncertainty

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) recently held its Global Business Research Conference (GBRC) 2026 in New Delhi, bringing together academics, policymakers, and industry experts to examine how global economic uncertainty is reshaping business strategy, trade, and research priorities.

The conference, themed “Managing Business Amidst Worldwide Turbulence,” focused on how institutions and economies can respond to shifting geopolitical conditions, technological disruption, and evolving trade dynamics. It served as a platform for presenting research across areas such as finance, strategy, supply chains, analytics, and public policy.

The event was inaugurated by India’s Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, who emphasized that despite global instability, “India continues to remain one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies,” pointing to progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and international trade partnerships.

Speakers at the conference highlighted that global business environments are increasingly shaped by uncertainty and rapid change. According to IIFT leadership, these disruptions—from geopolitical tensions to technological shifts like AI—make evidence-based research more important than ever in guiding policy and corporate decision-making.

A major part of the conference was dedicated to academic exchange, including technical sessions and a doctoral colloquium aimed at strengthening research quality and collaboration between scholars. Participants from leading Indian and international institutions also contributed to discussions on management education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

One of the key discussion themes was the need for stronger connections between research and policy impact. Speakers argued that business schools must go beyond theoretical outputs and ensure that academic work contributes meaningfully to real-world challenges, especially in volatile global conditions.

The conference concluded with awards for outstanding research papers and reaffirmed IIFT’s goal of fostering globally relevant, policy-oriented business research. Overall, the event underscored a growing consensus: in times of economic uncertainty, collaboration between academia, industry, and government becomes essential for navigating complexity and shaping resilient business systems.