On July 4, 2024, Prof. Desislava Yordanova, Head of the research group "Digitalization of SMEs" under the SUMMIT project at Sofia University, presented a paper titled "The Human Element in Digital Transformation: The Role of Talent Management for SMEs" co-authored with Prof. Dr. Albena Pergelova at the 68th World Congress of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) "Empowering Entrepreneurship for a Better Future" (68th ICSB World Congress) in Berlin, Germany. The paper was nominated for the Best Paper Award.

The forum, which is the largest specialized scientific forum on this topic and brings together leading scholars in this scientific field, was held from June 30 to July 5, 2024. Over 200 registered participants from all continents took part in this edition.

Founded in 1955, the non-governmental organization International Council for Small Business is the first international organization supporting small businesses. The organization connects researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners through seminars, publications, programs, training, and certification. The International Council for Small Business is the initiator of the UN Small Business Initiative. In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 27 as the World Day of Micro-, Small, and Medium Enterprises to raise public awareness of their contribution to the global economy and poverty alleviation, as well as to encourage efforts to create a favorable business environment for their survival and growth.

According to the International Council for Small Business, micro-, small, and medium enterprises represent over 90% of all businesses worldwide and provide an average of around 70% of total employment and 50% of the gross domestic product. They are the main driver of the economy in most countries, particularly in developing countries, providing livelihoods for the most people from vulnerable social groups.

During the forum, Prof. Desislava Yordanova met with Prof. Stéphane Foliard, who is the Vice President of Jean Monnet University in Saint-Étienne (France) for Entrepreneurship and Continuing Education. They discussed opportunities for joint educational and research projects and initiatives in the field of entrepreneurship within the "Transform4Europe" alliance.