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BETA 2024 International Conference on Business and Economics Theory and Applications

Faculté des Sciences Economiques et de Gestion - Université de Sousse-Tunisia

Rethink the economic development model: What contributions does Khaldunian Thinking offer?

15-16 November, 2024, Sousse, Tunisia

 

 

 

In the framework of fourth annual BETA conference the Economics and Management College, University of Sousse, will organize a conference on "Rethink the economic development model: What contributions does Khaldunian Thinking offer?"  

Since the 1960s, the development model has undergone significant transformations. Initially, economists and stakeholders prioritized growth and well-being by focusing on industrial investment and consumption, largely ignoring environmental concerns. However, since the 1980s, this model has evolved to emphasize human dimensions. Economists, stakeholders, and international organizations have highlighted the importance of individual access to education and health, as well as addressing inequalities within and between countries.

Furthermore, the model has progressed towards sustainability, incorporating considerations of basic human rights, environmental impact, and resource use, while taking into account both present and future generations. Notably, the model has also adapted to local or territorial sustainable development, emphasizing a participatory approach in decision-making at the community level.

All these changes and iterations of the development model have been rooted in capitalism and liberalism, reinforcing the concept of "homo-economicus" as the primary, though not the only, connection between individuals and countries. Despite the model's significant evolution to include important human and environmental factors, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were not achieved by 2015, and it is unlikely that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be achieved by 2030. Moreover, the ongoing multidimensional crisis—characterized by poverty, unemployment, inflation, and social and economic instability—continues to intensify, suggesting that it will take considerable time to address these issues effectively.

At the conceptual level, we must ask: Given our inability to achieve our goals, is it necessary to reconsider our development model? If so, how can we rethink this model, and are there viable alternatives?

Recently, some economists have suggested that Ibn Khaldun's ideas could play a significant role in achieving these goals. For example, Chapra (2008) demonstrated that "Ibn Khaldun's multidisciplinary and dynamic theory of development does not depend on any one factor but rather on the interaction of moral, social, economic, political, and historical factors over a long period of time." He used an interactional approach to show how demographic, political, social, ethical, knowledge, and institutional dimensions impact prosperity and development (Zin et al., 2017; Al Mamun et al., 2022). Moreover, Ibn Khaldun's methodology is structured not only on individual interests but also on a comprehensive analysis that considers many human dimensions. Some believe this approach can play a crucial role in addressing current global development issues. According to Mafrudlo et al. (2024), "Ibn Khaldun outlines eight key suggestions and various variables for achieving economic development. He underscores the importance of umran al-Alam, highlighting humanity's responsibility to cultivate the earth. From an Islamic perspective, economic development should prioritize socio-economic justice and maintain a balance between communal well-being and a healthy economy."

Therefore, this conference addresses this issue and seeks to answer the following questions:

What is Ibn Khaldun's contribution to development economic thought?

Is it possible to rethink the current economic development model using Ibn Khaldun's ideas?

This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the future of the current economic development model and related topics. It also serves as a valuable platform for researchers to present their latest work on this and other relevant subjects. All proposals focused on this theme or other economic fields are welcome.