On October 10, 2024, the opening of the 18th edition of the International Scientific-Practical Conference "Economic Growth in the Face of Global Challenges: Strengthening National Economies and Reducing Social Inequalities" took place. This year the conference of the National Institute of Economic Research (INCE) within the Academy of Economic Studies from Moldova is organized in partnership with the Institute for World Economy of the Romanian Academy and the Research Institute for Agricultural Economy and Rural Development from Romania.

In the opening of the conference, the director of INCE, Olga Gagauz, doctor habilitate, research associate, emphasized that the main objective of the conference is to promote scientific excellence, facilitate the dissemination of research results and strengthen international partnerships. Another important goal is to increase access to European funding, especially through the Horizon Europe program for research and innovation.

The rector of ASEM, professor and corresponding member of ASEM, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of the conference as an academic platform that addresses the most current topics in the economic and social field.

After the plenary session, the conference proceedings were held in five sections, each addressing key areas of contemporary research and development. Sections cover a wide range of topics, including business competitiveness and digital transformation, sustainable agri-food systems and rural development, sustainable finance and the circular economy, well-being and social inclusion, and innovative approaches to managing demographic processes. rural development, sustainable finance and the circular economy, well-being and social inclusion and innovative approaches to managing demographic processes.

Assoc. Prof., Dr., LEVITSKAIA presented report "FEATURES OF THE ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AT THE MUNICIPAL LEVEL" as a result or the study of business support infrastructure models in a territorial context based on the "Feasibility Study of the Regional Business Center of the Municipality of Comrat" was developed with the support of the project "Strong Enterprises and Communities for Moldova" (GIZ).

This year, over 150 participants registered for the conference, including approximately 40 participants from Romania, representing various universities and research institutions; 22 participants from Ukraine; 15 from Italy; 8 from Turkey, as well as researchers from Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, the USA, Norway, Poland and Bulgaria.