KERALA AND THE WORLD ECONOMY CONFERENCE 2026

Date: Feb 23 & 24, 2026

Venue: Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram.

Theme: “Kerala in Transition: Building an Inclusive Economy in a Shifting Global Order”

Call for Papers

The Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Thiruvananthapuram, invites unpublished original research papers for the Kerala and the World Economy (KWE) Conference, to be held on February 23–24, 2026. The conference will explore contemporary issues related to Kerala’s development and its intersections with the global economy, welcoming interdisciplinary perspectives and comparative insights.

Concept Note

Kerala’s development trajectory – often regarded as a model – highlights the complex linkages between local and global economic trends. From its historic role in international trade to its reliance on remittances, Kerala’s growth story offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of globalisation. However, these issues resonate across regions, and comparative, interdisciplinary studies are essential to understanding their broader implications for regional development.

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, intensifying challenges – ranging from technological disruption and geo-economic fragmentation to shifting migration patterns and volatile trade dynamics – call for renewed scholarly engagement. This conference seeks to catalyse such inquiry by focusing on future-oriented developmental pathways for the state. It invites researchers to critically examine Kerala’s position within broader global currents and to envision strategies that respond to emerging complexities with insight and imagination.

The conference invites original research papers on a range of key themes, including international migration, labour market challenges, livelihoods, inequalities, health and education systems, Industrial development, trade, tourism-led development, and the role of public policy in promoting sustainable development. The conference will also host discussions on pressing contemporary issues, including Kerala’s engagement with the shifting landscape of trade and migration, the future of its economy shaped by port-led development and integration into global value chains, and the fiscal challenges of the state amid mounting global uncertainties. Special attention will be given to Kerala’s achievements in the social sector, alongside emerging concerns such as – changing migration dynamics, labour market constraints, industrial development, climate vulnerability, and fiscal stress. Contributions that explore these themes through comparative perspective, both within India and internationally, are strongly encouraged.

Thematic Interests:

  • Migration and Remittances
  • Trade and Global Value Chains
  • Labour Markets and Informal Economies
  • Inequality, Livelihoods, and Social Protection
  • Health and Education Systems
  • Industrial Development and Port-led Growth
  • Public Finance and Fiscal Sustainability
  • Gender and Care Economies
  • Agriculture, Plantation Economies, and Food Systems
  • Tourism-led Development
  • Public Policy and Governance
  • Environment, Climate Vulnerability, and Resilience

For Submission:

https://forms.gle/1xjJ7ehpuzrrjtPy5

Important Dates

  • Submission of Abstracts: November 30, 2025
  • Notification of Acceptance: December 10, 2025
  • Full Paper / Poster Submission: January 31, 2026
  • Conference Dates: February 23–24, 2026
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Submission Guidelines

Call for Papers: Extended abstracts (not exceeding 1000 words), along with relevant keywords and JEL classifications, should be uploaded via the application form by clicking on the Registration link on or before November 30, 2025. Submissions may be theoretical or empirical and should address the themes outlined above. Special consideration will be given to studies that examine aspects of Kerala’s economy.

Call for Posters: Abstracts (not exceeding 500 words) should include the author’s name(s) and institutional affiliation(s). These must be uploaded along with the application form by clicking on the Registration link on or before November 30, 2025

Logistics and Support

PhD scholars presenting papers or posters will be eligible for AC 3-tier train fare reimbursement, subject to submission of valid travel documents. Accommodation will be provided for one author per accepted submission, from February 22 to 25, 2026, covering the duration of the conference. There is no registration fee for the conference.