Lunch & Learn Webinar Series
Artificial Intelligence…Automation…Blockchain…Drones…Robotics…The Internet of
Things. These technologies are—individually and collectively—reshaping our world
and fundamentally altering the global economy and private-sector firms operating
within it.
It is impossible for economic developers to understand the private-sector—to meet
their evolving needs and expectations—without first understanding the opportunities
and threats facing these businesses.
Today, the vast majority of these opportunities and threats are rooted in technology
and rapid technological change. In order to remain relevant to the private-sector,
economic developers must understand how technology is disrupting and reshaping our world.
This four-part “lunch and learn” webinar series will examine major global technology
trends are impacting our world, economies and private-sector. These technologies will
be examined in detail—where they are today…and where they are going. These
technology trends will be dissected against the backdrop of real-world economic
development realities and scenarios.
This four-part webinar series should prompt thought and discussion about how
technology fundamentally challenges, and changes widely accepted economic
development practices, goals, objectives and metrics.
The webinar series will be conducted by Laith Wardi, CEcD. Laith is a longstanding
instructor for both the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and
Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute (OU EDI). He is a frequent
speaker and presenter for economic development audiences across Canada and the
United States and has also done presentation and training work in both Europe and
Mexico.
Session #1: March 7- explore the rapid pace of technological change and how it impacts every industry sector across the globe. (Recording available)
Session #2: March 27 - examine drone and GIS technologies through the agriculture lens.
Session #3: April 17 - explore the burgeoning e-commerce phenomenon and how it is impacting traditional commerce.
Session #4: May 1 - examine block chain and what it means for personal and business transactions and security, and why it's essential in today's digital world.