The aim of the “International Conference on Technology and Innovation for Global Development” (3–5 June, 2012) is to explore how emerging technologies are shaping global economies and human wellbeing. It takes stock of the relevance of the work of Austrian economist Joseph Schumpeter for developing countries and applies it to advances in polymer research—an emerging field with profound implications for global development in diverse fields such as industry, agriculture, health, water, shelter and environmental management.

The conference coincides with the centenary of the publication of Schumpeter’s seminal work, The Theory of Economic Development (1911). The conference will be held in conjunction with the annual Innovation for Economic Development executive program. The conference will bring together participants from academia, industry, government and civil society to explore advances in polymer research and its application to global development. It will also examine efforts to design new institutional arrangements aimed at harnessing the power of polymer technology for improving human wellbeing and enhancing global competitiveness.

This event is co-sponsored by the Center of Excellency PoliMaT - Polymer Materials and Technologies, Slovenia.

CONFERENCE AGENDA:

DAY ONE (location: Starr Auditorium, 2nd floor Belfer building, unless noted otherwise)
8:00-9:00 Registration & continental breakfast (Taubman Rotunda)
9:00-9:15 Pre-recorded remarks by President of Slovenia, Dr. Danilo Türk
9:15-9:30 Remarks by Dr. Venkatesh Narayanamurti
SCHUMPETER PANELS
9:45-11:15 Panel discussion #1: Innovation in Health
11:15-12:45 Panel discussion #2: Innovation Systems and Institutions
12:45-1:45 Lunch
1:45-3:15 Panel discussion #3: Innovation in Action
3:15-4:45 Panel discussion #4: Innovation Policy
4:45-5:45 F.M. Scherer
5:45-6:45 Book Talk by Donnie Maclurcan


DAY TWO (location: Starr Auditorium, 2nd floor Belfer building, unless noted otherwise)
8:00-9:00 Day two registration and continental breakfast (Taubman Rotunda)
POLYMER SPEAKERS
9:00-10:30 Sujata Bhatia
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-11:45 Gerd Meier zu Köcker
11:45-12:00 Break
12:00-1:00 Alec Hansen
1:00-2:00 Lunch
2:00-3:00 Colin McCormick
3:00-3:15 Break
3:15-4:15 Tim Tangredi
4:30 Closing

For directions to the Harvard Kennedy School, please click here.

For an HKS campus map, please click here.

For a full description of the conference, including background information, aims, and objectives, please click here.