Exploring developments
in a global economy with keynote speaker Steve Westly
SAN FRANCISCO—(Feb. 24, 2012)-- The
University of San Francisco will host the 2012 China Innovation Conference on
Saturday, Feb. 25 from 1:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in Fromm Hall on USF’s main campus.
The conference will explore current developments in China’s innovation policy
and the country’s changing role in the global value chain as well as broader issues
surrounding innovation and sustainability in a globalizing economy.
Steve Westly,
managing partner of the Westly Group and former California state controller,
will deliver the program’s keynote speech at 1:30 p.m. He will share thoughts
on innovation in a global context, the role of Silicon Valley and the state of California,
and the growth of the Chinese innovation and entrepreneurism.
Following Westly’s
address, a notable panel of industry leaders and experts will examine the
unique challenges and obstacles facing China’s transition from an export-driven
to innovation-oriented economy. Topics for panel discussion include the role of
the Chinese government in adapting policies that promote an innovative
ecosystem, the implications of China’s transition for multinational
corporations, and the future drivers of improvement for China, as well as the
key challenges the country will face. Panelists include academics from the USF
School of Management and executives from Achievo Corp., Chic Group, SVB
Financial Group, and IBM’s Watson Research Center.
“We
are most honored to have such a distinguished group of speakers and panelists
bringing a wealth of real experience and insight to this conference,” said
Stanley Kwong, managing director and term assistant professor of the Greater
China Programs at the USF School of Management. “Because China has
experienced one of the greatest economic booms in history, it provides a
terrific case study to examine the transition from a simple export-driven model
into one of the fastest growing major players. Through panel discussions and the
exchange of knowledge, we hope to better understand the significance of China’s
steady economic development and how innovation fits into the bigger global
picture.”
For more information about the conference, please visit: http://www.usfca.edu/management/homepage_calendar/China_-_Innovation_and_Sustainability_in_a_Globalizing_Economy/
For media inquiries about the event, or the University of
San Francisco School of Management, please contact Anne-Marie Devine at abdevine@usfca.edu or (415) 422-2697.
About
the University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco is located in the heart of
one of the most innovative and diverse cities in the world and features a
vibrant community of students and faculty who achieve excellence in their
fields while building a more humane and just world. University of San Francisco
students, faculty, and alumni are involved in the entrepreneurial city of San
Francisco and work in all industries, from technology to the nonprofit sector.
With dedicated professors and exceptional academic programs to choose from, the
university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional students the
knowledge and skills needed to develop into ethical leaders who are sought
after in their professions. USF’s diverse student body benefits from direct
access to faculty, small class sizes, and a broad array of programs and
co-curricular opportunities. Informed by the university’s 156-year-old Jesuit
Catholic mission, the USF community ignites students’ passion for social
justice and the pursuit of the common good. For more information about the
University of San Francisco, please visit www.usfca.edu.
####
