The International Entrepreneurship Forum (IEF) was founded in October 2000 and is currently located at the Venture Academy, Essex Business School, at the University of Essex.

The IEF is an informal network of academics, policy makers and practitioners, who are brought together to discuss and interact with each other on issues related to entrepreneurship research, education and training.

During the past 15 years IEF has organised highly successful, refereed international conferences in different countries of Europe, Asia and the Middle East covering various aspects of entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development. One of the most satisfying outcomes of all the events has been the identification of new interest, scholarship and insight into entrepreneurial activity, across different countries, demonstrating the value of learning in an international arena of thought and practice. This outcome informs the themes and topics chosen for each conference.

The IEF continues to work closely with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and its Local Employment and Economic Development (LEED) Programme.

15th IEF Conference (2016)

Conference theme: The Globalisation and Internationalisation of SMEs and New Ventures: Travels with Eclectic Charlie, Digital Mary, Networked Nadia and Impactful Shona.

14 - 16 December 2016

Location: Venice, Italy