Jammu: The International Centre for Cross Cultural Research and Human Resource Management (ICccR & HRM), University of Jammu, on Wednesday inaugurated the three-day 2nd International Conference on “Innovation and Sustainability in Business Development” under the overarching theme “Future of Work: Global Institutions, Policy, Practices, and Perspectives – Transforming Work, Driving Innovation, Sustaining Futures.”
The international conference is being organised in collaboration with California State University, San Bernardino (USA), the University of the South Pacific, Fiji, and the Directorate of Industries and Commerce (DIC), Jammu and Kashmir.
The inaugural ceremony featured keynote addresses by Prof. Gurmeet Singh, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation), School of Business Management, University of the South Pacific, Fiji, and Prof. Soumodip Sarkar, Professor, Department of Management, University of Évora, Portugal. An industry perspective was presented by Dr. Arun Manhas, Director, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Jammu and Kashmir.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, and Founder Director, ICccR & HRM.
In his keynote address, Prof. Gurmeet Singh underscored the role of human resources as the backbone of sustainable economic transformation, highlighting how human capital bridges the gap between technology and capability. He emphasised the importance of focused human capital development, supported by Government of India initiatives such as Skill India, Startup India, and Make in India, for building a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable future of work.
Prof. Soumodip Sarkar, in his address, spoke on entrepreneurial ecosystems, sustainable innovation, and strategic leadership in an era marked by technological transformation and global uncertainty.
Sharing industry insights, Dr. Arun Manhas highlighted policy initiatives, industrial development strategies, entrepreneurship promotion, and the role of innovation in strengthening regional and national economic ecosystems.
Presiding over the session, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra lauded the organising team for their meticulous planning and seamless execution of the conference. She emphasised that academic conferences play a crucial role in fostering intellectual exchange, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue, and addressing contemporary challenges in innovation and sustainability.
She further stressed that enhancing institutional quality is vital for preparing organisations to meet the evolving demands of the future of work, as quality institutions foster credibility, resilience, and long-term societal impact.
