Papers and presentations are invited on the following main themes or topics, although other topics associated with the overall conference theme or track themes would also be welcomed.

Preference will be given to papers that contrast research results with practical experience, thereby acting as a bridge between the theory and practice of entrepreneurship whilst also highlighting policy implications. Discussion papers and practical presentations are also welcome.

Each Track will be sponsored by a relevant Organisation that will highlight recent experiences in the field and then facilitate debate over the practical and policy implications of the Track papers.

A - Advancing entrepreneurship and enterprise education

A1 Entrepreneurship and enterprise education - UK & Ireland experience
A2 Entrepreneurship and enterprise education - international experience
A3 Entrepreneurship and enterprise education policy and strategy
A4 Enterprise education methods, experiential learning and simulations

Track Leader: Prof David Rae, University of Lincoln
Track Adviser: Dr Luke Pittaway, University of Sheffield

B - Business creation and development - stimulating start-ups

B1 Business birth-rate strategy and economic development - UK & Ireland
B2 Business start-up support - international and regional comparisons
B3 Encouraging enterprise in rural communities & disadvantaged groups
B4 Youth enterprise schemes - stimulating and supporting young people

Track Leader: Dr Naomi Birdthistle, University of Limerick, Ireland
Track Adviser: Prof John Thompson, University of Huddersfield

C - Community, ethnic, minority and social enterprises

C1 Social and community enterprise development - UK & Ireland experience
C2 Social and community enterprise development - international experience
C3 Ethnic and minority enterprise development - UK& Ireland experience
C4 Ethnic and minority enterprise development - international experience

Track Leader: Dr Thomas Cooney, Dublin Institute of Technology, Ireland
Track Adviser: George Derbyshire, National Federation of Enterprise Agencies

E - E-entrepreneurship, e-business and e-learning

E1 E-business adoption, development and utilisation
E2 E-learning, ICT knowledge transfer and digital networks
E3 Technology-based enterprise development
E4 E-marketing and customer relationship management

Track Leader: Paul Jones, University of Glamorgan Business School
Track Adviser: Dr Nigel Lockett, Brunel University, London

I - Innovation, incubation, networks and knowledge transfer

I1 Development and management of business networks
I2 Innovation and incubation centres and technology clusters
I3 Knowledge transfer and spin-offs from higher education
I4 Corporate entrepreneurship development and team management

Track Leader: Dr Eleanor Shaw, University of Strathclyde Business School
Track Adviser: Dr John Davies, University of Salford, Salford Business School

M - Management, skills development and growth issues

M1 Critical factors, models & strategies for success - UK & Ireland experience
M2 Critical factors, models & strategies for success - international experience
M3 Small business management development, mentoring and training
M4 International entrepreneurship and the impact of globalisation

Track Leader: Dr Gary Packham, University of Glamorgan Business School
Track Adviser: Tony Robinson, Chairman, SFEDI & Entrepreneurs UK

S - Supporting small business development world-wide

S1 National and regional programmes of entrepreneurship support
S2 Creating and supporting small businesses in developing economies
S3 Developments in small business support policies and structures
S4 Business advisers & mentors - assessment, knowledge, skills & CPD

Track Leader: Dr Mike Crone, Queens University Belfast
Track Adviser: Dr Kevin Mole, University of Warwick

V - Venture capital, finance, taxation and regulation

V1 Informal and formal venture capital for business growth
V2 Investment climate, regulatory, tax and accounting issues for SMEs
V3 Banks and small firms - loans, guarantees and other schemes
V4 Novel financial initiatives in developing and emerging economies

Track Leader: Prof Francis Chittenden, University of Manchester
Track Adviser: David Irwin, Irwin Grayson Associates, Newcastle
Track Sponsor: Dr Richard Roberts, Barclays UK Banking, Poole

W - Women's enterprise and family business development

W1 Women's entrepreneurship development - UK & Ireland experience
W2 Women's entrepreneurship development - international experience
W3 Family responsibilities - work-life balance in business large and small
W4 Family businesses - management, succession and human resources

Track Leader: Prof Susan Marlow, De Montfort University, Leicester
Track Adviser: Dr Colette Henry, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland
Track Sponsor: Maggie O'Carroll, Women's Enterprise Consortium, Liverpool