Program

RE-IMAGINING FINANCIAL SERVICES

Financial and investment companies across the globe had to abruptly adapt to the consequences of the 2020 pandemic, and heavily relied on digital technologies to continue their operations. What does the financial and investment landscape look like after several months into this global health crisis? What role did technology play in the conduct of financial operations during the global pandemic? What is going to change in the foreseeable future when it comes to financial products, investments and decision making for economic stakeholders?

INVESTING IN THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE

Expanding global talent pools, new organizational structures, accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, as well as mandatory social distancing policies have rapidly changed the world of work as we know it. In this constantly changing environment, how can organizations enhance productivity and deliver better business results? How are employers leveraging technology and data-driven decision-making to improve working practices
and deliver a better employee experience? As countries around the world compete for talent, what critical human capital investment strategies can companies implement to stay ahead?

THE NEED FOR MEANING: HOW TO RUN A PURPOSE-DRIVEN BUSINESS

THE WAY WE INVEST WILL NEVER BE THE SAME

Investment management is in a period of rapid change and the unprecedented global economic crisis generated by the coronavirus has deeply affected the international markets and has pushed investors beyond their traditional boundaries. How is the operating landscape changing for investors, and how are they dealing with the consequences of the pandemic? What are some of the main challenges the investment management industry is facing today? How is investors’ portfolio changing, and what positions are proving to be riskier than anticipated? How can investors prepare for the challenges ahead and turn them into competitive advantage?

SUSTAINABLE INVESTING: ASSESSING AND MANAGING CLIMATE RISK

A rise in awareness of the impact of climate change on both the physical world and the financial and economic systems is urging investors to integrate climate risk considerations within their strategies to ensure long-term economic prosperity and sustainability. How could climate change impact economic growth and profitability in the long-run? With climate risks prompting an overhaul of the financial sector, what alternatives can be offered
to help transform our current model into a more sustainable one? How should financial institutions guide clients through this transition towards more sustainable investment
strategies?

RETHINKING CAPITALISM, RETHINKING GROWTH

TOWARDS A FUTURE-PROOF GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE
In collaboration with PortsToronto and InstarAGF Asset Management

Increasing expectations for new infrastructure that is adaptive and resilient is witnessing significant growth in efforts to mitigate the economic and social impacts of global events such as climate change and pandemics. What are some emerging infrastructure trends? What emerging opportunities are providing the scope for radically different solutions to infrastructure needs? How is the adoption and mainstreaming of cutting-edge technologies accelerating change?

A GLOBAL APPROACH TO EDUCATION

In a rapidly changing national and international environment, the necessity and purpose of education is more important than ever. How is the current economic crisis affecting the education systems? How can countries and communities create innovative approaches to education in order to not only provide an efficient and robust workforce, but also help people navigate through the challenges of their daily lives? Is digitalization an answer to bring more equality?

ACCELERATING THE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY

The transition to a digital economy where virtual technology would be the main driving force behind economic growth would have many impacts on how companies, societies and communities operate and interact on a daily
basis. What is the digital economy and what are the current trends affecting businesses and people? How can technology radically change our economies and societies? How can we make sure that technological innovation
and progress benefit everyone?

CYBER RESILIENCE IN A FAST CHANGING WORLD

INNOVATION IN A GROWING AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD SECTOR
In collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector have demonstrated incredible resiliency to supply healthy food at home and abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic despite an unprecedented disruption in the supply chain. What lessons can the agriculture and agri-food sector pull from this experience? What role does innovation and technology play in ensuring that Canadian agri-food businesses can respond to global challenges and become more resilient to shocks and uncertainty? How can this sector drive Canada’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery and bolster the foundation of food sovereignty and security?

TRAILBLAZING WOMEN IN 2020: SHAPING THE FUTURE FOR CORPORATIONS, STARTUPS, AND GOVERNMENT
In collaboration with Accenture Canada

THE ENERGY SECTOR: AN INDUSTRY IN FLUX
In collaboration with Skypower Global

The rapid fall of oil prices during the first quarter of the year as well as the economic shutdowns linked to the global pandemic have pushed the energy industry to adapt to new circumstances and think on the long-term. What does the future of the energy landscape look like, and what factors will be paramount to long-term success? How can companies use technology to thrive in the energy transition? How should energy companies deal with digital challenges including the use of customers’ data?

THE FUTURE OF THE RETAIL EXPERIENCE

When selling online, retailers are able to tap on increasingly growing segment of the population, mostly millennials, which seldom visit physical stores or goes to shopping centers. How does AR fill this gap between the retailer and potential customers? What is its impact in customer experience (CX) and in conversions? What challenges are faced when developing an AR experience within the whole customer experience framework?

THE DIGITAL HEALTH REVOLUTION
In collaboration with Health Canada

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development and deployment of digital health technologies, with an impact of the future of health and health care delivery. How can the private sector contribute to strengthening Canadian health systems so that they are well-equipped to meet future challenges (such as pandemics, like COVID-19)? How can governments, health institutions and the private industry work together to pull  digital and other innovations into the health system that add value by providing better care and outcomes sustainably, while also ensuring interoperability, data integration and seamless patient care? How could stakeholders be engaged in advancing regulatory sandboxes and what is the pathway to adoption to help spread and scale innovations that support the health system and health care?

THE FUTURE OF ENTERTAINMENT

PRIORITIZING HEALTH TO REBUILD THE ECONOMY
In collaboration with the Ontario Medical Association (OMA)

The COVID-19 crisis has created an unprecedented disruption in global supply chains, either by clogging, funnelling or outright paralyzing them. What lessons can be drawn from this global forced experiment? What innovative solutions can we adopt to better handle disruptions in the future? Will global manufacturing return to its pre-crisis state and what will be its future?  

IS HEALTH MANUFACTURING COMING HOME?