IRCP 2025: International Research Conference on Pension New Delhi, India, February 27-28, 2025

Call for Conference Submissions

International Research Conference on Pension (IRCP) Invites submissions that contribute to the understanding of various aspects of pension systems. Suggestive Research Areas are listed below.

Conference Timelines are as under-

Participants are requested to adhere to the conference timelines to ensure timely submission and registration.

Conference Tracks

Track 1: Towards a Fully Pensioned Society: Enhancing Product, Coverage, and Adequacy

This track explores strategies and challenges in achieving comprehensive pension coverage and adequacy globally. Discussions focus on innovative approaches to expand pension product offerings, increase coverage across diverse sectors, and ensure sufficient retirement income for all citizens.

Track 2: Pension Fund Investments Driving Economic Development: Infrastructure and Sustainability Perspectives

Track 2 investigates the pivotal role of pension funds in fostering economic growth through strategic investments in infrastructure and adherence to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. It examines how such investments contribute to sustainable development and the broader economic landscape.

Track 3: Empowering through Financial Literacy for Effective Retirement Planning

This track highlights the importance of financial literacy in shaping effective retirement planning strategies. It reviews national and international initiatives aimed at enhancing public understanding of financial concepts, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about pension investments and savings.

Track 4: Innovation through Data Science and AI in Pension Systems: Shaping Future Strategies

Track 4 focuses on cutting-edge innovations, including AI, Data Science, fintech solutions and regulatory sandboxes, transforming pension systems globally. Discussions center on how these innovations optimize retirement planning processes, enhance accessibility, and address evolving demographic and economic challenges.

Track 5: Efficacy of Regulations in the Indian Pension Sector: Comparative Analysis

Track 5 evaluates the impact of India's pension regulations on performance, sustainability, and inclusiveness. It includes a comparative analysis with global best practices, focusing on policy effectiveness, compliance challenges, and regulatory roles in system stability and financial inclusion for better retirement outcomes.

Submission Guidelines

Interested researchers are invited to submit their research proposals (500-1000 words) by 28^th November 2024. The proposal should include the research title, abstract, methodology, and expected contributions. Upon acceptance, full papers (8000-12000 words) are to be submitted by 15^th January 2025. Submissions should be in English, follow APA citation style, and be formatted in Times New Roman, font size 12.

Data Sharing for Research

Data related to National Pension System is available in Handbook of National Pension System Statistics available at PFRDA Website. Further, if researchers require any other data, they may request PFRDA for the same. The data will be shared by PFRDA subject to its Data Sharing Policy.

Research scholarship

Based on recommendation of expert committee, best research paper will be awarded with scholarship of Rs. 50,000/-. Further, research scholarship of Rs. 10,000/- will be awarded to accepted research papers, subject to maximum of Ten such papers.

Research Areas -

It may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Pension Fund Investments
   • Pension Funds’ Investments for Economic Growth
   • Risk and Return Analysis of Pension Funds’ Investments
   • Evaluating Pension Funds’ Portfolio Performance
   • New Age Instruments for Pension Fund Investments
   • Asset Class Performance – Equity, Corporate Bonds, and G-Sec
   • Estimation of Optimum Portfolio for Pension Fund Investments
   • Credit Rating and Default Risk
   • Duration Optimization and VaR
   • DC Pension Plans Performance
   • Liquidity Risk and Fixed-Income Securities Valuation
   • Risk-o-Meter
   • Valuation Approaches: Technical, Fundamental, Real Assets and Intangible Assets
2. ESG Analysis of Pension Fund Investment Portfolio
   • ESG Analysis of Pension Funds’ Investments
   • Incorporating Climate Risk in Pension Funds’ Investment Analysis
   • Board Composition and its impact on Corporate Governance and Performance
   • Green Taxonomy and Sustainability Taxonomy
   • Corporate Social Performance and Financial Risk
   • CSR and Cost of Capital
   • Environment Engagement and Stock Performance
   • Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information
   • Climate Transition Risk and Firm Performance
   • Effect of ESG Disclosures on Firm Performance
   • Climate Risk and Sustainable Finance
   • Stewardship Code
   • Pension Funds Stake in Corporate Sector and its role in Corporate Governance
3. Pension Sector Regulations and Supervision
   • Regulations Economic Theory of Pension Sector Regulations
   • Cost-benefit Analysis of Pension Sector Regulations
   • Regulations Review: Prudence, Proportionality, and Proactiveness
   • Pension Fund Regulation and Risk Management
   • Risk-based Supervision
   • Risk Management: Unbundled Architecture
4. Adequacy of Pension Wealth
   • Annuity Choices and Income Drawdown
   • Adequacy of Retirement Wealth and Longevity Risk
   • Wealth Decumulation behaviour and Bequest motive
5. Financial Literacy
   • Financial Literacy and Retirement Planning
   • Financial Literacy: Theory and Evidence
   • Financial Education and Investment Behaviour
   • Gender, Financial Education, and Retirement Goals
   • Social Networks and Decision to have Pension Products
   • Financial Planning Curriculum for Schools
   • Financial Education Programs and Needs of Savers: Gap Analysis
   • Retirement savings knowledge and behaviour
6. Infrastructure
   • Infrastructure Resilience and Maintenance
   • Infrastructure Financing: Innovative Instruments and Incentives structure
   • InVITs and REITs: Performance Evaluation
   • Investments in Greenfield Projects vis-à-vis Listed Securities
   • PPP: Design, Development, Financing, Construction, OandM
   • PPP: BOT-Toll, BOOT, DBFOT, BOO, BOT-Annuity, VGF
   • Infrastructure Investments vis-à-vis Pension Sector Investments