In this talk Atkinson discusses the emerging technology wave based on connectivity, automation and intelligence and the political and societal pitfalls facing companies going forward. He talks about how companies need to respond if they are to be innovative, including anticipating the opposition, shaping the issue first, articulating the societal value proposition and getting out in front with solutions
For over a half century, small business has been widely seen as synonymous with all that is good. But in the past few years this morphed into a view that holds that large businesses are inherently problematic or even bad. Based on his new book “Big Is Beautiful: Debunking the Myth of Small Business” Atkinson shows how on a host of economic and societal indicators that large firms on average outperform small. He argues that it is time for policy makers to embrace “size agnosticism” and treat all firms alike, regardless of size.
Manufacturing is poised to be transformed by a suite of emerging technologies, including Internet of Things and 5G; AI-enhanced robotics, and new materials and 3D printing. Atkinson will discuss these opportunities, how U.S. manufacturers are responding, and what their main challenges are, including public policy and competition from China.
The next wave of digital innovation is coming. Countries and firms can welcome it, prepare for it, and ride it to new heights of innovation and prosperity, or they can ignore the changing tide and miss the wave, only to be left behind treading water. Atkinson will discuss these opportunities, what the business, competition, and public policy challenges are and how to best respond.