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Insights from the GFCC panel at the 11th Delphi Economic Forum in Greece The world is entering a period of intensified disruption and discontinuity, driven by the convergence of emerging technologies, the urgent push to accelerate the energy transition, rising global energy demand, and intensifying strategic competition between the United States, Europe, and China. On April 24, the GFCC convened a distinguished group of global leaders from academia, industry, finance, and

Credit: University of Auckland Universities worldwide are increasingly moving beyond their traditional teaching and learning boundaries to develop future-ready talent, for which core competencies include an entrepreneurial mindset, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at the University of Auckland developed Solve It to address this challenge. This flagship program operates as a fast-paced, five-day innovation sprint duri

By Deborah C. Gordon, Senior Fellow, GFCC, USA Ms. Gordon serves on the Board of Probability Management and is an advisor to emerging technology companies. Credit: Photo by Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash. Societies across the world are increasingly recognizing a fundamental challenge: energy needs are rising beyond the delivery capacity of existing infrastructure. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity demand is expected to grow by around 3

Credit: CC BY 4.0 The GFCC is pleased to announce that Gallup, one of the world’s most prestigious global analytics and advisory firms, has joined its network of leaders and organizations committed to advancing competitiveness strategies that drive innovation, inclusive prosperity, and sustainable growth. Gallup is a global analytics and statistics powerhouse, collecting data and indicators to measure the state of the world across critical issues in both the public and priv

GFCC Leaders at the X Delphi Economic Forum in Greece in 2025. Global leaders will gather in Greece this month for a timely discussion on the forces shaping the world and impacting competitiveness at the XI Delphi Economic Forum, further reinforcing the GFCC’s role as a strategic content partner to the Forum. GFCC President and Founder, Deborah L. Wince-Smith, will moderate the panel Navigating the Frontiers of Innovation in an Age of Disruption and Discontinuity on April 24

Global leaders speak at Forging the Future: The Intersection of Health, AI ad Tech in Pittsburgh, US, last year. Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping societies and transforming entire industry verticals. In healthcare, in particular, they are enabling breakthrough discoveries, accelerating clinical trials, and significantly reducing the time from research to market. Between October 19–21 last year, the GFCC, Council on Competitiveness, the Universit

Momentum One Zero has worked with local companies to integrate deep technologies and accelerate time to market. Credit: Parkway Queen's University Belfast “We need two things: businesses’ hardest problems, and their partnership,” explains Dr. Stephen McCabe, Executive Director of Momentum One Zero, Northern Ireland’s applied innovation center for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and wireless systems. This global initiative has three clear objectives: create measurable

Credit: Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego Situated at the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs, the University of California San Diego has played a defining role in shaping the regional ecosystem. Beyond educating the talent pipeline, the institution has built a deliberate strategy around industry partnerships, technology commercialization, and convening power — connecting industry, government, investors, and researchers into a highly integrated innovation network.

The European Union (EU) faces a moment of deep uncertainty around its economic and political future. Slow economic growth, rising energy costs, demographic shifts and increased global competition are putting pressure on the bloc's competitiveness. At the same time, the green and digital transitions demand unprecedented levels of investment and innovation to secure Europe's leadership position on the global stage. To unpack this complex scenario, Dr. Jan Mládek, Director of th

A newly released report provides a comprehensive account of discussions and lessons learned during the Lisbon Study Trip hosted by the Catholic University of Portugal in July last year. The GFCC Community traveled to the Portuguese capital to explore the local innovation ecosystem and to unpack the strategy behind the city's transformation into a leading hub for innovation in Europe and globally. The agenda included panel discussions and site visits to leading innovation site

The GFCC has launched its 2025-2026 Annual Report - Advancing Competitiveness in an Era of Disruption and Discontinuity , offering a comprehensive account of the organization’s activities, initiatives, partnerships, and global impact over the past year. The Annual Report provides a short summary of key discussions held globally, the publications produced, the partnerships strengthened, and the strategic initiatives advanced throughout the year. Leading in Global Events In 2

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