ABOUT THE GLOBAL INNOVATION SUMMIT

Revolutionary technologies are giving rise to seismic shifts across the global economic landscape. Sweeping in their scale and scope, they are disrupting nearly every industry—from manufacturing, retail and energy to health care, finance and food production—how businesses compete and the ways we work. Nations at all stages of development, and businesses of all sizes and kinds seek to leverage the fast flow of new technologies for economic, competitive and social gains. As digital technologies open widespread access to the world’s businesses, supply chains, markets and jobs, developing and emerging countries have an unprecedented opportunity to scale-up their innovative businesses globally, shatter the economic development curve and catch-up with the advanced economies.

But, the radically transforming global economy is challenging foresight and creating uncertainty about the future. As technology reshapes our world, how will this future unfold? There is widespread recognition that business and policy models must change. And, it seems clear that the transition into a new and sustainable business, economic and social future will be lead by the most innovative and globally competitive companies, cities and nations. However, at the same time, the accelerating speed of change is challenging our institutions and policies to keep pace.

The 2018 Global Innovation Summit will bring together leaders and thinkers representing businesses, high technology, academia and governments from across the globe to analyze the opportunities and challenges presented by technology transformation. They will seek insight and answers to questions, such as:

  • Will game-changing technologies affect developed, developing and emerging economies differently?
  • What is the future of emerging markets in this transition?
  • Free of legacy systems, can emerging nations build state-of-the-art physical infrastructure that attracts global investment and gives them a competitive edge?
  • Do emerging nations have the business acumen and capacity for innovation to harness new technology to their drive economic growth and prosperity?
  • How can innovative companies from the emerging world scale-up globally?
  • Will Latin America emulate business and innovation models that have been successful in other markets, or become a wellspring of new approaches?
  • What are the lessons learned from different experiences in the emerging world?

The GIS 2018 will also serve as a global platform for generating new ideas and solutions. Participants will explore how win-win global alliances can benefit companies, and emerging and advanced nations alike. Countries have different natural, physical, financial, intellectual and social attributes that hold opportunities for collaboration, as resources available in one country can be connected with others across geographies to unleash value creation on a global scale.

Over the course of three days, high-level keynote speakers will break down the challenges and opportunities presented by technology transformation for industry and policymakers. Panels of entrepreneurs from Latin America and across the globe will share their visions for seizing emerging business and market opportunities as levers for growth. In breakout sessions, participants will engage in lively conversations on policies and strategies for the future.

The GIS 2018 is a rare chance for leaders and thinkers to build consensus on critical issues surrounding rapid technological change, and co-create proposals that will echo through the corridors of the G20 meetings and shape the innovation agenda for the 2018 B20 meetings in Argentina.