The Black Book Colloquium

For the first time in the history of Arthanomics, participants are invited to share academic insight in the form of research papers on the theme of the Informal Economy — the scale and impact of unregistered businesses and informal labour. Entries progress through an abstract, a full paper and a final live presentation.

The abstract stage runs to a 300-word limit and must cover the research question, its importance, proposed methodology and expected findings. Shortlisted teams then submit a full paper of 2,500–3,500 words following a standard academic structure — introduction through policy recommendations to conclusion.

Finalists present live on 4 August: a 7-minute presentation followed by 3 minutes of questions, with a 10-slide limit. The track aims to bridge classroom economics and the far messier realities of informal enterprise.