Science and technology make progress possible at a speed and scale that was unimaginable even 10 years ago. New sophistication in advanced computing, the availability of data, growing interconnectedness of systems and society, and the rise of cross-disciplinary fields of study each could create opportunity and improve quality of life for billions of people. Some authoritarian societies such as China have already used these techniques as a launching pad for economic development and global influence. How can free societies respond at a time when their own economic models are under threat. This seminar on Increasing Global Competitiveness through Science and Technology will explore how liberal democracies can use S&T to compete to win. What will it take for liberal democracies to develop a true strategy on AI; to import and preserve a truly global network of talent; to transform institutions of higher learning; to restore faith in the economic models at a time of great disruption?

In addition to participating in the general discussion, each participant in the class will be specifically asked to prepare and lead a class discussion on a topic they propose during the application period. At the end of term, the class will develop a series of recommendations on research questions to explore further and meet with leaders seeking advice on potential paths forward for their societies.

The course will meet on the following dates/times:

• Wednesday, Jan. 16 (5:30pm-8:00pm)
• Friday, Feb. 1 (8:30am-11:30am)
• Friday, Feb. 15 (8:30am-11:30am)
• Friday, March 1 (8:30am-11:30am)
• Friday, March 29 (8:30am-11:30am)
• Friday, April 12 (8:30am-11:30am)
• Friday, April 26 (8:30am-11:30am)
• Thursday, May 2 (5:30pm-8:00pm)

Applications are due by Friday, January 4 at 11:59pm

GLBL 665 Increasing Global Competitiveness through Science and Technology