The WCED takes an active role in organising, sponsoring and executing a variety of conferences and events, all of which support the Centre’s goal of facilitating entrepreneurial development and thought leadership. Events that promote industry networking and bringing together buyers and sellers clearly have value; but these events can easily be held at hotels and convention centres, and need not involve the ISB. Instead, the WCED chooses to focus on events that further three of its fundamental objectives: knowledge creation, knowledge dissemination, and bringing knowledge to action.

Through all of its events, the WCED provides a forum for idea exchange on some of the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs today. In addition, WCED events have a strong publishing component, so that information, research and questions generated at the events are spread to the broader entrepreneurial community, in an effort to advance thought leadership.  

The TiE-ISB Connect event, organised in partnership with the Hyderabad Chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), began largely as a networking event for entrepreneurs and investors. Today, the annual event provides world-class mentoring support for budding entrepreneurs, and has become a significant source of leading edge knowledge on entrepreneurial issues. The inaugural ISB-Rand Conference on Entrepreneurship and Public Policy in India (March 2009) will provide a strong platform for entrepreneurs, researchers and policy makers to meet and discuss a range of issues, and establish practical methods to foster entrepreneurship in India.

The WCED remains single-minded in its resolve that these and other events should support the Centre’s strategic intent to address key issues affecting entrepreneurs and spur knowledge creation. As importantly, the events are structured and designed to take this knowledge and turn it into practical action.