BACKGROUND
Industrial policy refers to a comprehensive set of government strategies and interventions aimed at shaping economic activity toward specific industries and sectors, with the dual purpose of enhancing national productivity and fostering technological advancement. Industrial policies, which often include subsidies, tax incentives, and regulatory reforms, aim to create an ecosystem that nurtures industrial growth, innovation, and competitiveness. The ultimate objective is to accelerate development, drive economic transformation, and enhance a nation’s standing in the global marketplace.
Therefore, the present conference aims to foster an in-depth discussion on the resurgence of industrial policy, focusing on underlying motivations, new approaches making such policies fit for purpose in the 21st century, and implications for global trade. Dedicated sessions will critically evaluate the trade and industrial policies of India, the European Union, the United States, China, and other emerging economies, assessing their effectiveness and strategic impact on global trade frameworks. The conference will explore key lessons from past successful and failed industrial policies, particularly in relation to welfare, efficiency, sustainability, and inclusivity, thereby identifying approaches and conclusions that can inform future policy design. Additionally, the role of the WTO in today’s evolving economic landscape will be a central theme, examining whether its current rules can effectively address the challenges posed by modern industrial policy or if new reforms to the WTO’s rulebook are necessary to support strategic objectives. By addressing these issues, the conference will contribute to shaping economic development strategies that balance national policy priorities with global trade norms, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth, economic and political stability, and the integration of strategic industrial policies with broader economic and environmental goals.
CONFERENCE THEMES
This conference will focus on four key themes:
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Climate Change Mitigation and Inclusive Sustainability
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Building Resilient and Adaptive Regional and Global Supply Chains
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Advancing Competitiveness in Critical and Emerging Technologies
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Ensuring National, Economic, and Food Security
Each theme will include sub-themes such as:
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Green Industrial Policies
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Motivations for Industrial Policy: Technological Advancements, Retaliation, National Security, and Geopolitical Rivalries
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Economic Rationale of Industrial Policy: Externalities, Market Failures, and State Intervention
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WTO’s Evolving Framework and Role in Industrial Policy: Subsidy Rules, Enforcement, and Trade Tensions
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China’s Industrial Policy and Its Engagement with the WTO
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Impact of Industrial Policy on Global Trade Dynamics: Digitalization, Global Value Chains (GVCs), and Regional Trade Agreements
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Industrial Policy and Comparative Advantages in Emerging Economies: Sectoral Development and the Role of State-Led Innovation
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Geopolitics and Industrial Policy: Reshoring, Deglobalization, and Strategic Competition
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The Role of Security Exceptions in Critical Mineral Trade and Industrial Policy
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India’s Industrial Policy: ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’ PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Scheme, and Trade Strategy in a Global Context
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Ensuring Coherence Between Green Transition and Strategic Autonomy Industrial and Trade Policies: The EU and Global Examples
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Environmental, Industrial, and National Interests in the WTO: GATT Article XX and Climate Change
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International Coordination and the Need for a Green Industrial Policy Framework
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Industrial Policy as a Development Strategy in the Knowledge/Digital Economy
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Intersections Between International Institutions, Private Sector, and State Finance in Shaping Industrial Policy
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Social Equity, Inclusiveness and International Trade: Cooperation in Sustainable Development, Social Cohesion, and Good Governance
The sub themes are suggestive only and not exhaustive.
ABOUT CITBL
The Centre was established in September 2022 with the vision of becoming a premier institution for trade law research, which is crucial for a rapidly growing economy like India. It aspires to be a leading hub for training and research in international trade and investment law and policy, aiming to build a deeper understanding of the complexities of global trade. The Centre is actively engaged in research projects that address contemporary issues in international trade law, contributing to academic discourse and providing practical solutions for policymakers. It encourages research on topics such as trade dispute resolution, investment regulations, and policy reforms, fostering an environment that promotes critical thinking and innovative approaches to trade law.
The Centre’s dedication to advancing knowledge in this field is further demonstrated through its dynamic initiatives, including hosting guest lectures by distinguished former ambassadors and senior IAS officers namely Amb. Ujal Singh Bhatia, Amb. Dr. V.S. Seshadri and Mr. Sumanta Chaudhuri, offering valuable insights into real-world trade negotiations and policies. Additionally, it has organised major international conferences on pressing topics, such as the ‘Crisis and Solutions to Dispute Settlement System Under WTO.’ This event featured esteemed experts, including Prof. Peter Van den Bossche, former Chairperson and Member of the WTO Appellate Body, Prof. Werner Zdouc, former Director of the WTO Appellate Body Secretariat, and prominent Indian ambassadors and trade experts like Amb. Ujal Singh Bhatia, Amb. Jayant Dasgupta, Mr. Atul Kaushik, Prof. James J Nedumpara, Prof. Abhijit Das, and Prof. Sheela Rai. These initiatives, alongside its research efforts, position the Centre as a leading authority in trade law and a crucial contributor to shaping India’s role in the global trade landscape.
STRUCTURE OF THE CONFERENCE
Panel Discussions
Dynamic panel discussions on Industrial Policy, featuring leading experts who will share diverse perspectives on the evolving landscape of industrial policy in today’s global context.
Round Table Discussions
A round table discussion bringing together diverse stakeholders and beneficiaries of India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This interactive session will provide a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, manufacturers, and representatives from various key sectors of strategic importance to India to engage in meaningful dialogue on the scheme’s impact, challenges, and opportunities. (e.g., pharmaceuticals, green technologies, steel and primary commodities, agro-industries etc)
Plenary sessions
There will be two plenary sessions dedicated to exploring various aspects of industrial policy. In these sessions, distinguished experts will deliver comprehensive lectures, providing in-depth insights into key issues and trends shaping industrial policy today.
Paper presentations
The author/s are invited to present their paper through a PowerPoint presentation. Each author will be given 10 minutes to present their paper and the remaining 5 minutes will be for Q&A and feedback.
ABSTRACT AND PAPERS
Submission of abstract
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Scan the QR code for submitting the abstract
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Only abstracts submitted through the QR code will be considered for the selection process
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All abstracts must be submitted by 30th November 2024(Midnight IST)
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Presenters will receive an abstract acceptance notification by 10th December 2024
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Co-authorship is allowed but limited to two persons.
Abstract Guidelines
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Length: Maximum 500 words excluding title/cover
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Abstracts should have a cover page with title and details of the authors.
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Abstract Should indicate one or two guiding questions.
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Margins: 1 inch
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Font: Times New Roman, 12 points
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Spacing: 1.5
Paper submission Guidelines
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Length: 5000 to 7000 words excluding title/cover, references and footnotes
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Margins: 1 inch
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Font: Times New Roman, 12 points
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Spacing: 1.5 Citation:
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Footnoting: Bluebook 21st edition, Times New Roman, 10 points
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Selected papers may be published in form of an edited book.
TIMELINE
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Last Date of Abstract Submission |
30th November (Midnight IST) |
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Announcement of Selected Abstracts |
10th December 2024 |
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Last Date for Registration Fee Submission |
20th December 2024 |
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Paper Submission |
5th January 2025 |
REGISTRATION FEE
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Category |
Indian (INR) |
Foreign (USD) |
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Academicians/ Practitioners/ Others |
7500 (per individual author) |
150 |
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Students |
6000 (per individual author) |
100 |
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The conference fees include registration fee, cost for accommodation on sharing basis and food |
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TRAVEL GRANT
Two international participants may be awarded with travel grants on merit cum need basis. Interested participants are required to submit the travel grant application stating reasons at the time of abstract submission.
REMOTE PARTICIPATION
We have few slots for remote participation in the conference. International participants may request for online paper presentation, if necessary. There shall not be any fee waiver for the remote participation.
BEST PAPER AWARD
The best paper will receive a waiver of the tuition fee for one WTI Summer or Winter Academy course, which are organized in a hybrid format.
BANK DETAILS
Registration fees are to be paid only to the following bank account:
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Name: Registrar NALSAR University of Law (JRCITBL) A/c No.7181339488 Bank: Indian Bank, Shameerpet Branch IFSC Code: IDIB000S166 SWIFT Code: IDBINBBHYD (For International Participants) |
CONTACT DETAILS
For Queries Contact:
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Dr. Kapil Sharma, Assistant Professor of Law, NALSAR
Email Id: kapil.sharma@nalsar.ac.in
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Mr. Aditya Tripathi, Research Associate, NALSAR
Mo. +91-7060691103
Email Id: citbl@nalsar.ac.in