The second day dawned in the sunny mountainside town as the first World Economic Forum of the new decade really kicked into gear.
The streets of Davos briefly closed down due to climate protestors, en masse, chanting and marching. The discussion on challenges facing our planet wasn’t limited to the streets. In the sessions, speakers noted how the social activities overlapped significantly with the workforce of tomorrow, with whom employers are struggling to engage.
We had a film crew at Oxford Saïd’s pavilion on the Promenade, capturing the views of thought leaders for our various online programmes. Famed economist Nouriel Roubini and Henri Arslanian of PWC talked about blockchain, controversy and what comes next, in an interview we’ll be incorporating in future editions.
Faculty delegates from our School and friends of the firm trickle in as we prepare for the panel discussions we will be hosting over the next two days. Based on our guest list RSVPs, at least, we are massively oversubscribed and expecting a large crowd – a gratifying response to our decision to amplify the School’s presence at Davos.
Tomorrow, I will lead a panel debating how artificial intelligence, big data/analytics and blockchain can empower individuals and tackle the challenge of people's loss of trust in government and business.
On Thursday, Dean Peter Tufano and Chair of the School Board, Paul Polman will host a session looking at the need for bolder business education. The challenge is there for business schools to adapt to help develop individuals who lead business alongside a complexity of growing world challenges.
David Shrier created and leads both the Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme and the Oxford Fintech Programme at Saïd Business School.
