Vanderbilt University welcomed a diverse group of leaders from government, industry, academia, and civil society on November 10, 2023, for a significant gathering of the World Economic Forum. This event, titled “Regional Leadership in a New Global Context,” aimed to address how states and regions can effectively navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving national and global landscape.
The program served as a platform for discussions on vital topics including workforce development, energy, health care, technology, and national security. By hosting this forum, Vanderbilt reinforced its commitment to engaging with global issues and its growing role as a hub for policymaking, research, and innovation.
Networking and Keynote Addresses Open the Day
The day commenced with a networking breakfast, featuring a joint welcome from Paul Smyke, head of the regional agenda at the World Economic Forum, and Darren Reisberg, Vanderbilt’s vice chancellor for administration. Nathan Green, vice chancellor for government and community relations, introduced Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who provided opening remarks focusing on how states can drive growth and innovation amidst shifting political and economic dynamics.
Following Lee’s address, Chancellor Daniel Diermeier engaged in a dialogue with Sam Feist, CEO of C-SPAN, on the current state of higher education. Their conversation explored the role of universities in maintaining trust, supporting free expression, and preparing future leaders. An audience-driven question-and-answer session underscored the strong interest in Vanderbilt’s leadership in reforming higher education.
Panel Discussions Address Critical Challenges
Throughout the day, attendees participated in a series of engaging sessions featuring senior officials from various state governments, national health leaders, corporate executives, and academic experts.
In the session titled “AI Prescription for Healthcare,” panelists, including state health secretaries from North Carolina, Illinois, and Wisconsin, alongside leaders from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discussed the dual opportunities and risks posed by artificial intelligence in medicine. Key points included the importance of innovation, patient trust, governance, and strategies for scaling health AI through effective public-private partnerships.
The panel on “Future-Proofing America’s Talent Pipeline” examined responses to accelerating technological change and evolving labor market needs. Participants highlighted the necessity of aligning workforce development with emerging economic sectors, strengthening pathways from education to employment, and fostering cross-sector partnerships to mitigate talent shortages.
Another panel, titled “Building America’s Future Energy,” brought together leaders from the energy sector, including representatives from private companies and state energy agencies, to discuss meeting rising energy demand while transitioning to a more secure, affordable, and sustainable energy system. Discussions included infrastructure expansion, regulatory dynamics, and the role of industry in fostering innovation.
During a working lunch, Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Vanderbilt professor, led a timely discussion reflecting on the current political climate. He articulated how the United States has navigated past upheavals and contextualized contemporary challenges within the broader narrative of American history.
The day concluded with a panel moderated by Julian Barnes from The New York Times, which focused on the increasingly complex national security landscape. Experts in cybersecurity, biosecurity, public affairs, and national defense discussed emerging threats, including infrastructure vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions, while identifying opportunities for collaboration between government and the private sector.
As the program wrapped up, representatives from Vanderbilt and the World Economic Forum emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration across sectors to create a more resilient and prosperous future. The insights shared during this gathering promise to guide policymakers and leaders as they address the pressing challenges of our time.
