Call for Papers
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) announce
The 12th Conference on Asia and Pacific Economies (CAPE)
Date: May 23-24, 2025
Location: Suzhou, China
XJTLU and ADBI invite submission of papers for this two-day event on topics related to the Asia and Pacific economies. We are looking for original and high-quality unpublished research papers in theoretical and empirical economic and social issues. This is the flagship event organized under the Society for the Advancement in Economic Studies (SAES) which promotes the interdisciplinary research across the academics, business communities and policy makers.
Global Adjustments in Economy, Technology, Environmental Sustainability
The main focus of the conference centres on the recent global challenges and their multifaceted implications for Asia. The global economic landscape is currently facing challenges stemming from the global and regional factors. These include the complexities of post-pandemic economic recovery, transformations in economic landscapes, the intensifying effects of climate change, energy crises, and the rapid advancement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
These dynamics not only reshape the region’s economic and social structures but also call for a broader thinking of development paradigms. In particular, there is a pressing need to move beyond conventional capitalistic and materialistic frameworks to prioritize human development and the enhancement of well-being. Moreover, these challenges necessitate global adjustments in areas such as development, trade, climate change, and environmental sustainability, thereby providing a rich avenue for academic exploration and debate. The conference seeks to engage scholars and policymakers in discussions that not only address immediate crises but also envision long-term frameworks that enhance the collective well-being of societies in Asia and beyond.
We invite high-quality papers addressing the recent global challenges and their impact on Asia, including but not limited to the following topics:
- Economic Wellbeing, Trade, and Investment: Insights into economic trajectories, human development and social wellbeing in the context of shifting global dynamics. The evolving patterns of global and regional trade agreements, cross-border investment flows, and the implications of supply chain decoupling. Policy responses to social transformations, inflationary pressures, and debt sustainability. The consequences of geo- economic fragmentation on regional supply chains and investment patterns.
- Digital Economy and Fintech: The transformative role of digital currencies, blockchain technology, and financial technologies in shaping modern economies. The impact of digital currencies, including central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) on global financial systems and traditional banking models. Innovations in cross-border payments and the role of emerging fintech solutions in promoting financial inclusion, particularly in underbanked regions.
- Sustainability, Climate Change, and Green Economy: International agreements and frameworks like Paris agreement and Kyoto protocol, nationally determined contributions (NDCs), carbon pricing mechanisms and climate finance. Adoption of sustainable practices and their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. The transition to renewable energy, circular economy models, and sustainable finance and investment strategies. Contribution toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Economic Resilience and the Development of AI: The critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing economic resilience and addressing disruptions like economic shocks and supply chain issues. Opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption in Asia, including workforce upskilling and equitable technology access. Ethical concerns, job displacement risks, and the need for regulatory frameworks to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth driven by AI.
Registration Fees:
Presenters of selected papers are required to register and pay a registration fee of RMB 1,000 (USD 150). This fee includes lunch, tea breaks and attendance at the seminar dinner, which will be held on May 23, 2025.
Funding Opportunities
There is limited funding to support some of the presenters for travelling and or accommodation. If the funding opportunities are exhausted, applicants with accepted papers may attend as self-funded participants.
Key Dates
Submission Deadline: Extended abstract (Feb 15th, 2025); Full paper (March 31st, 2025)
Submission and Selection
Extended abstracts (300 words or less) or full paper must be submitted to 2025 CAPE submission portal containing the title, name, and affiliation of the author(s), contact information, and the appropriate fields (JEL classifications). Please note that early applications with full paper are strongly preferred. And full paper must be submitted by March 31st, 2025. Only papers written in English will be considered. If there are two or more authors, please identify who will be presenting. Selected papers will be notified by mid-April. The conference format is onsite only.
Organizing Committee
Yang Chen, Associate Professor, IBSS, XJTLU
Arief Ramayandi, Senior Research Fellow, ADBI
Nimesh Salike, Senior Associate Professor, Associate Dean of IBSS, XJTLU