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Fletcher Global Innovation Entrepreneurship Symposium

Fletcher Global Innovation Entrepreneurship Symposium
Overview
Join us on the first floor of the Joyce Cummings Center, 177 College Ave., Medford for an exciting student-led symposium where we’ll explore how tech/ AI is shaping the future and how international business is developing under new American leadership! It’s a fantastic opportunity to gather with top experts from various fields—industry, academia, and policy—to chat about global trade, changing geopolitics, and AI’s impact in sustainability.
Whether you’re a student or a young professional in the Greater Boston area, this is your chance to gain valuable insights, discuss regulatory hurdles, and brainstorm innovative ideas for sustainable business practices and the workplace of tomorrow. This symposium isn’t just another event; it’s a great opportunity to be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of global business and technology. We can’t wait to see you there!
As a special perk, the first 50 people who register for this event can get a professional headshot.
Mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired!
This symposium is brought to you by the Student Entrepreneurship Club of the Fletcher School for Global Affairs and the Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts University.
Agenda
- 12-1 pm: Registration & Networking Reception
- 1-1:15 pm: Opening remarks by Dean Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business, Fletcher School
- 1:30-2:30 pm: Panel A – International Business in the Era of New American Leadership
- 2:30-2:45 pm: Break
- 2:45-3:45 pm: Panel B – Navigating the Global AI Innovation Landscape
- 3:45-4:00 pm: Break
- 4:00-5:00 pm: Closing Keynote by Professor Asheesh Advani, CEO, JA Worldwide (Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, 2023 and 2024)
- 5:00-6:00 pm Book signing and reception
Session Descriptions
Opening Remarks
Dean Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business, Fletcher School, will deliver opening remarks for the Symposium.
Panel A – International Business in the Era of New American Leadership
This panel will explore the influence of the new administration’s policies on global business dynamics. Key areas of discussion will include shifts in supply chain management, investment opportunity, changes in tax regulations, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Panelists will also address the impact on market entry strategies, the rise of e-commerce, and the future of manufacturing and outsourcing.
Confirmed Speakers:
- Moderator:
- Professor Rocky Weitz, Professor of Practice & Director of Maritime Studies, Fletcher School
- Panelists:
- Oren Bernstein, VP Business Development North America, Intralink
- Brian Butler, Independent Investment Manager
- Jim Fitchett, Cofounder, VODA.ai
Panel B – Navigating the Global AI Innovation Landscape
This panel will explore the complexities of AI development and regulation across the globe and its consequential effects on international business operations and the workforce. Discussions will center on how AI is reshaping productivity, fostering new job roles, and creating both opportunities and challenges within the AI and machine learning sectors. Special attention will be given to the ethical considerations and regulatory landscapes that influence AI deployment, along with AI’s capacity for environmental sustainability by reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
Confirmed Speakers:
- Moderator:
- Dean Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business, Fletcher school
- Panelists:
- Professor Josephine Wolff, Associate Professor of Cybersecurity Policy; Associate Professor, Computer Science, Engineering; Director, Hitachi Center for Technology and International Affairs, Fletcher School
- Professor Sinan Erzurumlu, Professor of Innovation and Operations Management, Babson College
- Helen Wang, Founding Partner, EcoGen Capital Partners; Founding Partner, TecoGlobal Group
Closing Keynote and Book Signing by Professor Asheesh Advani
Professor Asheesh Advani is the CEO of JA Worldwide, a thrice Nobel price nominated multi-national nonprofit organization and the author of “Modern Achievement: A New Approach To Timeless Lessons For Aspiring Leaders,” a powerful guide to reaching new heights in personal and professional success. The book was recently selected as one of the Top 5 books in 2024 for Leadership and Strategy. It explores actionable strategies for navigating the challenges of today’s fast-paced world, providing insights into time management, goal setting, and developing a mindset for growth. It’s a must-read for those future leaders striving to unlock their full potential and achieve excellence in any field. We believe it perfectly complements the forward-thinking discussions we’ll be having at the event.
Organizing Committee
- Prosper Abuanor, MIB ’25
- Sophie Hu, MIB ’25
- Dhananjay Kandakure, MIB ’25
- Rupam Kumari, MIB ’25
- Dennis Liu, MALD ’26
- Mack Chenreng Zheng, MIB ’26
- Yuheng “Jojo” Zhou, MALD ’24
Details
Fletcher Global Innovation Entrepreneurship Symposium
February 7, 2025Time
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm