SSTI Conference keynote session to focus on AI, globalization, and the future of TBED

Whether one calls them transformational or disruptive, challenging or exciting, topics like generative AI, Big Tech, climate change, and geopolitical/economic issues will have significant influences on the future focus and efforts of every organization employing readers of this newsletter. There hasn’t been a forum for the field to talk about all of it openly and honestly—until December, that is. 

SSTI is quite excited to announce one of the most important conversations on the future of regional innovation policy and practice will be taking place at our Annual Conference when we get to eavesdrop on a conversation among two well-known, widely respected and acknowledged experts on global innovation policy and technology-based economic development.

There is no hyperbole in that previous paragraph. On the morning of December 11, Rob Atkinson, president and founder of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), will sit down with Deborah (Deb) Cummings, principal and managing director of TEConomy Partners LLC, to explore the conclusions drawn and implications of a select group of “myths” included in Rob’s newest book, Technology Fears and Scapegoats: 40 Myths about Privacy, Jobs, AI, and Today’s Innovation Economy.  

Those familiar with Atkinson’s previous work can be assured the new title has the insight and provocation one expects from one of the leading minds committed to advancing U.S. innovation policy and global competitiveness. There are reasons ITIF is one of the most highly regarded think tanks in the country: Atkinson is a master at getting one to think deeply about some of the most important issues influencing the U.S. economy.

Those familiar with the strategic guidance Deb and TEConomy have provided their TBED clients for the past 10+ years know it is evidence-based, data-centered, impartial, grounded on practical practitioner experience, and geared toward helping maximize the achievement of the state, region or organization’s future innovation-centered economic development goals. 

Rob and Deb’s inspiring conversation will go between the lines and beyond the pages of the book to consider the potential impact of Generative AI, climate change, and Big Tech and what it all means for regional economies and the TBED practice going forward.  

The live-only conversation at the conference will advance the discussion of what the policy and practice of local technology-based economic development must look like given the technological and geopolitical issues already shaping our future. 

Note:  All paid conference registrants will be given a copy of Technology Fears and Scapegoats for deeper exploration after this once-in-a-career, not-to-be-missed event.