Business leaders and academics in the region will discuss the global factors that will impact on their business in the future, at an event in Bradford this week.
Dr Chris Luebkeman, of global design and business consultancy Arup, will give the keynote speech at the Yorkshire Science and Technology Network (YSTN) event on the issues most likely to have a major impact on society and businesses.
From resource problems in water and oil, through to climate change and changing demographics, Dr Chris Luebkeman will explain what businesses in Yorkshire and Humber must do to change and prosper.
Also speaking at the event will be Professor Phil Coates, pro-vice chancellor for research and knowledge transfer at the University of Bradford, and Dr Trevor Gregory, director of Yorkshire Science - the Science and Innovation Council for Yorkshire and Humber.
Dr Chris Luebkeman, director of global foresight and innovation at Arup, said: “Foresight is not crystal-ball gazing, it is not about predicting trends. Foresight helps others frame their thinking about what might happen given certain circumstances and can therefore help companies think about the future of their business.”
YSTN is supported by Yorkshire Forward to give businesses the chance to interact with leading academics from the region’s universities. Since its launch more than 210 companies have been involved with the network.
Jim Farmery, head of innovation at Yorkshire Forward, said: “British companies are facing increasing competition from emerging markets, and it’s becoming essential for businesses to innovate adapt to stay in business.
“The YSTN events aim to provide opportunities for businesses and academics to meet, so that they may form partnerships which lead to mutually beneficial collaborative projects.”
The YSTN events run in tandem with an online Knowledge Transfer network called Knowledge RICH, which together form a key element of Yorkshire Forward’s commitment to supporting innovation in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
‘The Drivers of Change’ conference will be held at the Great Victoria Hotel in Bradford, on 22 February. The event will be co-hosted by Yorkshire Science. |
