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The Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center at UNO. Credit: University of Nebraska System. The GFCC is pleased to welcome the University of Nebraska System to its network of global institutions committed to shaping the future of higher education and advancing place-making innovation. The University of Nebraska System comprises four campus (Kearney, Omaha, Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center) and is ranked among the top 75 U.S. public universities in resear

Credit: AI-generated image. It seems that everywhere you turn these days, you come across an article about Artificial Intelligence. We have repeatedly seen how AI and its agents have the potential to automate tasks, enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and drive breakthrough scientific discoveries. At the same time, we have watched with growing concern as warnings emerge about mass job displacement, rising youth unemployment, ethical distortions, and the spread of

Credit: Notre Dame University website The GFCC is pleased to welcome the University of Notre Dame to its global network of thought-leading institutions shaping the future of higher education and innovation. Founded more than 180 years ago and located in South Bend, Indiana (USA), the University of Notre Dame is a preeminent global Catholic research university guided by a mission to serve humanity through education, research, and ethical leadership. Its work consistently bridg

The GFCC is pleased to welcome Academy of Art University to its global community of innovators and thought leaders. Founded in 1929 and located in the heart of San Francisco, United States, Academy of Art University is one of the largest institutions in the country dedicated exclusively to training creative professionals. The university offers programs across 22 schools, spanning art, design, film, communications, and emerging technologies. The institution is widely recognize

Around the world, cities and regions are striving to find ways to differentiate themselves and innovate to transform local and regional economies. The GFCC, in partnership with Prof. Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Aston University, advocates for a holistic and structured model that places universities at the center of local and regional socio-economic transformation, an approach called place-making innovation. GFCC member Aston University has been a key actor driving

The University of Arizona is internationally recognized for excellence in astronomy and astrophysics, hosting multiple NASA-funded initiatives and a long-standing legacy in planetary science.

Discover a GFCC-Catalysed Partnership Model that is Driving Real Impact

The GFCC is pleased to announce that the University of Vermont has joined the network, becoming part of a group of more than 20 university members committed to shaping the future of higher education and acting as engines of economic growth in innovation-driven economies. Founded in 1791, the University of Vermont has a long-standing tradition of inclusion and the defense of public freedoms. It was the first institution to declare public support for freedom of religion and the

In a world shaped by rising complexity, rapid technological change, and shifting geopolitical dynamics, societies and economies also stand before extraordinary new possibilities. In her End of Year Letter, GFCC President and Founder Deborah L. Wince-Smith reflects on the network’s achievements in 2025 and commemorates the 15th anniversary of this global community of thought leaders.  Click here to read the full letter. Supported by the leadership of Mr. Chad Holliday and the

The city of Plovdiv has attracted tourists after Bulgaria entered the EU. Credit: Unsplash Bulgaria's competitiveness landscape has undergone a significant transformation recently. A member of NATO since 2004 and part of the European Union since 2007, for the past two decades the country has enjoyed a stable economy, participation in international markets, and a boom in Foreign Direct Investments. Next year, the GFCC will hold its Global Innovation Summit in Sofia, Bulgaria,

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming global economies, driving innovation across industries and redefining how societies work, connect, and deliver healthcare. According to recent data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), around 60% of jobs in advanced economies are exposed to the effects of AI , a trend that will most likely affect high-skilled professionals and reshape the labor market.   In healthcare, the rise of generative AI is accelerating drug

We continue to navigate a period of remarkable complexity, defined by multiple crises, rapid technological transformation, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. Yet, this is also a time of extraordinary opportunities. These possibilities were evident during Forging the Future: The Intersection of Health, AI and Tech , held earlier this month in Pittsburgh. The event brought together over 300 participants from 20 countries to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming t

Individuals all over the world have found ways to step forward to help lead their countries, communities, and citizens through major economic, technological, and industrial transitions that bring higher levels of competitiveness and greater opportunities. Every year since 2016, the GFCC recognizes these energetic doers, builders, and agents of change through the Global Competitiveness Awards . This year, during F orging the Future: The Intersection of Health, AI and Tech , in

We are pleased to announce that the University of Adelaide, one of Australia’s leading and most innovative institutions, has joined the GFCC as a university member.   Ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide by the 2025 QS World University Rankings , the University of Adelaide is recognized for its strong commitment to collaboration and global impact. It works closely with government, industry, and international partners to address pressing global challenges through wo

The GFCC is pleased to announce that the Global Innovation Summit will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, in October 2026, hosted by corporate member Glavbolgarstroy Holding (GBS). GBS is the largest construction group in Bulgaria and one of the biggest in Southeastern Europe. With over 55 years of experience, the company has been responsible for leading groundbreaking construction projects across the region, pioneering sustainability and innovation in the sector. The announcemen

GFCC Vice-chair, Mr. Charles Kiefel AM, recently funded a study tour to the United States to visit leading national laboratories specializing in nuclear science and technology, including the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.

Natural resources are the backbone of everyday life and a vital supply for industries worldwide. From energy and manufacturing to technology and agriculture, these critical assets shape global competitiveness strategies and policies.

The city of Pittsburgh, once known for its steel mills and infrastructure manufacturing sites, has now emerged as a global hub for health innovation. Located in the Middle Atlantic region of the United States, Pittsburgh has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades.

Published on Wednesday August 28, 2025 ​​ ​​New technologies, and particularly Artificial Intelligence, are redefining productivity and...

Published on Wednesday August 20, 2025 ​​ ​​Leaders around the world are grappling with a critical challenge: how to enhance the...