About 40 years ago, a process of transformation and change has begun on a global scale in all areas of social life including the economy. In the new era, entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of national economies has a vital importance in achieving adaptation to the global economy and derivation of competitiveness and socio-economic development. In the post-globalized world, roles of entrepreneurship, SMEs, technological development and innovation in international economic competition and socio-economic development have become a noteworthy issue by internationalization of the economies and markets firstly in developed countries and then developing and least developed countries. Today, policies to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation and to remove barriers to them are increasingly applied. Hence, the importance of the subject requires special attention.

The International Summit of Istanbul Economists has been designed as a scientific event of IKDER in order to create a qualified and prestigious platform of discussion about the economic and social issues believed as important. Every year, a different economic or social problem is being addressed and discussed during the Summit.

3rd International Summit of Istanbul Economists will be held in Istanbul which is a historical city combining Europe and Asia. Istanbul is known as a cradle for different cultures and civilizations. Owing to those characteristics, Istanbul has been awarded as European Capital of Culture 2010. The Summit targets to bring together scholars and researchers in the fields of economics and management, and business professionals from different countries.

The Summit aims to provide a scientific basis to discuss issues such as "Globalization and the New Economy, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Knowledge Economy and Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness, New Approaches in Entrepreneurship, Trends and Research in Entrepreneurship, the Role of Entrepreneurship in the Struggle against Poverty, Economic Crisis and Entrepreneurship, E-Entrepreneurship, etc.”

As the Executive Board of the Summit, we are expecting theoretical and applied studies on given titles from the respected participants.

As the Executive Board of the Summit, we are very grateful to the Scientific Board of the Summit which consists of scholars from various universities of Turkey. We are also grateful other persons and institutions who contributed to the Summit.

We wish a successful Summit for all participants with sincere feelings.

Yours Sincerely,

Executive Board