Business Events - Digital Strada

Shaping a Sustainable Future: Inside the Global Innovation Summit 2024 at Queen’s University Belfast

by Emil Indricau | Nov 13, 2024 | Belfast, Blog, Business Events, Sustainability, UK, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Global Innovation Summit 2024: Accelerating Sustainability and Economic Inclusion

🌟 The Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils (GFCC) 2024 Annual Meeting and Global Innovation Summit is set to take place at Queen’s University Belfast from November 11-15, 2024. This prestigious event, hosted by Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and the Centre for Competitiveness (CforC), will focus on the theme of “Global Sustainability and Economic Inclusion”.

Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and the Centre for Competitiveness (CforC) is hosting the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils (GFCC) 2024 Annual Meeting and Global Innovation Summit in November, under the theme of Global Sustainability and Economic Inclusion.

This invitation-only leadership gathering offers a unique experience to participants from industry, government, academia, and civil society organisations to engage with peers, access first-hand global best practices, and take part in high-profile strategy conversations on the nexus connecting sustainability, innovation, and competitiveness.

The Global Innovation Summit engages a worldwide audience, policymakers, business leaders, and academics from five continents. The knowledge and best practices exchanged at the summit can inspire and shape the development of innovation strategies and policies.

At the core of the 2024 GFCC Annual Meeting and Global Innovation Summit is the understanding that global sustainability encompasses economic performance, protection of the environment and social inclusion.

The landmark event with key international political and corporate leaders will examine how, in an era of complex global challenges, innovation can act as the key driver of competitiveness, promoting global sustainability and economic inclusion on a worldwide scale.

Global Innovation Summit 2024 – Belfast – Day 1

🌐 It was a fantastic chance for me to connect with other international leaders and to gather insights on growing innovation and competitivenes beyond the UK.

🌍 Event Overview:

• Dates: November 11-15, 2024
• Location: Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Theme: Accelerating Global Sustainability and Economic Inclusion

🎯 Key Objectives:

• Engage global leaders from industry, government, academia, and civil society
• Exchange knowledge and best practices in innovation and competitiveness
• Explore strategies for promoting sustainability and economic inclusion worldwide.

📅 Summit Structure:

The summit is organized into three main days, each with a specific focus:

Innovation is the Key to Sustainability (November 12)
Inclusiveness is a must for long-term sustainability (November 13)
The Power of Partnership (November 14)

🌟 Highlights:

• World-renowned physicist Professor Brian Cox as keynote speaker.

• Participation of global leaders from business, industry, and academia
• Workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities
• Site visits to innovation hubs and tourist attractions in Northern Ireland

👥 Notable Speakers:

• Professor Brian Cox CBE FRS – CERN Physicist and Broadcaster
• Dr. Daniel Hulme – CEO of Satalia
• Minette Batters – Former President of the National Farmers’ Union
• Andy Burnham – Mayor of Greater Manchester
• Cecilia Harvey – Tech Women Today Founder

🏆 Event Sponsors:

The summit is supported by various organizations, including:

• Queen’s University Belfast
• Centre for Competitiveness
• Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils
• Invest Northern Ireland
• Tourism Northern Ireland

🌐 Global Impact:

This summit aims to inspire and shape the development of innovation strategies and policies worldwide, engaging policymakers, business leaders, and academics from five continents.

🚀 Key Topics:

• Technological advancements driving sustainability
• Social equity and inclusiveness in economic development
• Collaborative approaches for innovation and progress
• Decarbonization opportunities and challenges
• Food security and One Health approach
• Workforce preparation for the digital age
• AI’s role in transforming productivity
• Place-making innovation and regional economic development

The Global Innovation Summit 2024 at Queen’s University Belfast promises to be a landmark event, bringing together global leaders to address pressing challenges and explore innovative solutions for a sustainable and inclusive future.

Innovation is the Key to Sustainability

This first day will set the stage for the GIS 2024 and explore how technological advancements and creative solutions drive sustainability. Experts will discuss the latest innovations that are transforming industries and paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Hosted by Wendy Austin

DAY 1 | NOVEMBER 12

09:00	Whitla Hall	Welcome to GIS 2024: Day 1

09:30	Whitla Hall	Agenda Introduction and Logistics

09:35	Whitla Hall	Keynote Speaker: Brian Cox CBE FRS – CERN Physicist and Broadcaster
		Exploring the Universe Brian brings scientific discovery to life for millions. He is also a leading experimental physicist, helping to recreate the conditions 1/000000000th of a second after Big Bang “to confirm the universe’s underlying simplicity.” With breathtaking images, Brian shows how science shocks and excites our imagination, as well as bringing humanity together. He also sets out the case for co-ordinated investment in science as key to job creation and growth.
10:35	Whitla Hall	Panel: Accelerating Global Sustainable Development Goals and Economic Inclusiveness
		The climate crisis remains a critical issue, and countries and businesses are struggling to address it without jeopardizing the lives of various segments of society. People in advanced economies are raising their voices to protest initiatives that are perceived as eroding their quality of life, while people in emerging nations demand to be included as partners in global prosperity. This equation is compounded by technological change and the rise of AI, which brings great promise but will also cause major shifts in job markets and societies. Innovation is essential to address this complex scenario at all levels, from policy frameworks to education and training models, from business models to institutions. In this session, GFCC Board Members will review the state of competitiveness in the world and share insights and concrete recommendations on how to break perceived trade-offs between sustainability, technological acceleration, and inclusiveness.
11:20	Whitla Hall	Navigating the AI Revolution: Preparing for a World of Digital Transformation
		Join AI expert Daniel Hulme, CEO of Satalia, for a thought-provoking session exploring the key issues emerging alongside the rise of AI and digitalization. Hulme will share his view of the ethical considerations, societal impact, and transformative potential of AI and other emerging technologies and offer insights for universities and businesses to navigate this evolving landscape and prepare for the future of work.
12:05	Whitla Hall	Launch of GFCC Call to Action
		During this session, GFCC leadership will introduce the “Accelerate Global Sustainability and Economic Inclusiveness” Call-to-Action and comment on some of the key proposals highlighted in this flagship document co-created with the GFCC community.
12:15	Whitla Hall	GFCC Members and Fellows Photo
		A photo of all GFCC members and fellows in attendance will be taken during this time.
12:20		Lunch
		*Private Lunch for speakers/guests* Time available for attendees to view exhibition space
13:30	Whitla Hall	Transforming the World via Innovation in Energy
		The energy transition demands bold innovation. In this session, Stephen Gallagher, Director of Strategy for Energy Customer Solutions at SSE, will showcase cutting-edge innovations propelling the energy transition. Discover how SSE is leading the charge in developing and implementing solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. Gain valuable insights into the technologies and strategies shaping the future of energy.
13:45	Whitla Hall	Panel: Seizing the Decarbonization Opportunity
		Decarbonization poses opportunities for investment and new business development while requiring innovation across the board. However, it also comes with risks and challenges, as the development of any new industry inevitably does. To realize the energy transition opportunity and decarbonize industries, the world needs new technologies to be translated into real-world applications. Achieving acceptable price points and finding early adopters of these technologies is critical. In this panel session, participants will share lessons learned on how to navigate decarbonization processes from policy, business, and community perspectives.
14:30	Whitla Hall	Keynote Speaker: Minette Batters
		Bridging Food security & One Health is pivotal to society
14:55	Whitla Hall	Panel Conversation: Harnessing Partnership to Advance Food Security and One Health
		The challenge of providing the worlds growing population with access to safe, affordable and nutritious food all the time and in ways our planet can sustain and against backdrop of climate change and biodiversity loss continues to be a major challenge for society. The Covid-19 pandemic has illuminated the deep connection between animals, humans and the wider planetary environment and a One Health approach is receiving increased political attention as a solution to some of the greatest health threats we face today including increasing zoonotic disease emergence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), food safety and security. Our panel of experts will discuss the inextricable links between Global Food Security and One Health and argue that enhanced and accelerated innovation, investment and partnership are required to support society.
15:40	Peter Froggatt Centre	Transition to workshops
		GIS 2024 organisers will introduce the workshops, explain the dynamics and direct participants to their respective locations. The GIS 2024 workshops will be progressive dialogues that will build on the ideas discussed in the day’s plenary panel conversations. Each workshop will begin with the moderator highlighting key recommendations and ideas from the panels. Following this, kick-off discussants will provide their insights and suggestions for advancing the agenda related to the workshop’s theme. After all discussants have shared their views, the floor will open for additional contributions, with the moderator potentially inviting comments from plenary session moderators present. The workshop will conclude with the moderator summarizing the three key recommendations for the thematic area.
15:55	Peter Froggatt Centre	Workshop 1: Seizing the Decarbonization Opportunity

15:55	Peter Froggatt Centre	Workshop 2: Transforming the World via Innovation in Energy
		Transforming the World via Innovation in Energy
15:55	Peter Froggatt Centre	Workshop 3: Food Security & One Health: innovation to accelerate solutions and improve economic growth, climate resilience and the nation’s health

15:55	Peter Froggatt Centre	Workshop 4: Advancing Resources Productivity

15:55	Peter Froggatt Centre	Workshop 5: Accelerating Sustainability and Inclusiveness Through R&D

17:10	Whitla Hall	Panel Conversation: Advancing Global Sustainability – Key Recommendations & Feedback from Workshops
		This final panel discussion on Day 1 will review the key recommendations that emerged from the workshops. Participants will engage in a lively discussion, share the key recommendations, and debate what is needed to turn those into action across sectors, from the local to the global level.
17:55	Whitla Hall	Wrap up

19:00	Queen’s Business School	Datathon at Queen’s Business School in Partnership with Alteryx
		This is an exclusive event for 150 pre-selected students. Queen’s Business School, Queen’s School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computing and Alteryx will conduct a dynamic datathon where 150 students will use their skills and creativity to solve a complex sustainability challenge and showcase their talent in a collaborative and inspiring environment.
19:30		Dinner
		*For invited guests only*

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Unlocking Global Growth Potential at Northern Ireland’s In-Person Export Networking Event with the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Belfast

by Emil Indricau | Nov 12, 2024 | 3D, 3D Virtual Tours, Belfast, Blog, Business Events, Digital Twins, Ireland, Northern Ireland, UK, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Northern Ireland In-Person Export Networking

On November 11, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Northern Ireland In-Person Export Networking event at Erskine House, Belfast. Hosted by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as part of their International Trade Week, the event brought together a network of driven entrepreneurs, business leaders, and experts with a shared vision: to support Northern Ireland businesses in going global.

🌐 It was a fantastic chance for #DigitalStrada to connect with others who have international ambitions and to gather insights on growing beyond the UK.

🌟 A Valuable Networking Experience
The event was a true networking hub! Alongside businesses from Northern Ireland, we had the chance to present our own ventures and plans for global expansion, sharing our aspirations with supportive professionals and peers.

💬 It was energizing to meet and exchange ideas with employees from the Federation of Small Businesses in the UK, representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, and fellow attendees from Small, Medium, and even Large Enterprises.

🤝 With such a dynamic mix of participants, the atmosphere was both collaborative and insightful. We gained valuable perspectives from others, learned new approaches to tackling challenges, and had a genuinely great time connecting and learning together.

📈 Highlights from the DBT and the UK Export Academy
One of the event’s highlights was hearing from Richard Elliott, Head of Creative Services at DBT, who provided practical advice and guidance on export growth strategies.

🎤 With years of experience in both public and private sectors, Richard’s insights emphasized the importance of effective strategy and preparation when aiming to enter international markets.

🌎 His presentation was especially relevant for businesses like mine, where the creative industry’s potential to attract global clients can be a game-changer.

✨ The event was also a chance to learn more about the UK Export Academy.

📚 For any business owner considering international expansion, this program is a crucial resource. Here’s what they have to say:

💬 “The UK Export Academy can support your business to grow by giving you the confidence and know-how to land your first, or next overseas deal. Over 18,000 businesses across the UK have already joined our free training programme. It’s totally free and takes only a few minutes to get started.”

🚀 With a foundation course, market access events, sector-specific webinars, and masterclasses, the UK Export Academy equips businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in international trade. Having access to this type of expertise can be transformational, especially for small businesses venturing into exporting for the first time.

🌐 Export Support from the Department for Business and Trade

The Department for Business and Trade is dedicated to helping Northern Ireland businesses grow internationally by offering a range of programs and resources.

💼 With a network of market specialists across over 100 markets worldwide, DBT’s focus on Northern Ireland is helping to drive local businesses towards global success.

📊 Their team includes Sector Leads in key industries such as Advanced Manufacturing and Technology, Creative Industries, Agri-Food and Drink, and Health and Life Sciences.

🏆 This expertise makes them a valuable partner for businesses seeking to make informed, strategic moves into new international markets. 🌎

🌅 Key Takeaways for #DigitalStrada and Our International Ambitions

For #DigitalStrada, the event was a motivating experience.

💪 Meeting other business owners with similar ambitions was a great reminder of the wealth of support available for those looking to take their services overseas.

🚀 Our vision of providing world-class 3D scanning and virtual tours isn’t limited to the UK; we’re excited about the possibilities of working with clients in various markets who can benefit from immersive 3D experiences.

📸 With the resources from the DBT, the knowledge from the UK Export Academy, and the inspiration from networking with like-minded businesses, we’re energized to pursue our international goals.

🌐 The combination of strategic insights, practical support, and a community of export-minded entrepreneurs has strengthened our resolve to scale globally.

💼 Why Events Like This Matter for Businesses in Northern Ireland

Events like these are essential for Northern Ireland businesses, especially in today’s globalized economy.

🌎 They offer a platform for networking, peer-to-peer learning, and access to valuable information about the export process.

📊 The Department for Business and Trade’s continued support, combined with initiatives like International Trade Week, provides Northern Ireland businesses with the tools needed to thrive beyond borders.

🌐 For any business considering exporting or even expanding into a single international market, I can’t recommend these events enough.

🙌 With practical resources, industry connections, and the invaluable expertise of the DBT team, businesses of all sizes have the chance to take their first (or next) steps towards international growth.

🚀 If you’re thinking about taking your business global, don’t wait. Check out the UK Export Academy and see how its free training program can equip you with the skills and confidence to land your first—or next—overseas deal.