Global Leaders of the Knowledge Industry to Converge at #future

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The top business leaders of the knowledge industry from across the world will come together in Kochi on the 22nd and 23rd March 2018 for a two day summit, #future, to discuss emerging trends, ground realities and the way forward to position Kerala as a hub for digital innovation and investment.
This was informed by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, while addressing a press meet to announce the event. ‘The potential of the Information Technology industry to transform the socio-economic landscape of the state is huge and it is for this reason that a High Power IT Committee (HPIC) has been constituted to act as an advisor to the Government.
The event in Kochi will be an industry initiative supported by the Government. The event will not only help project the actual potential Kerala offers in view of Government initiatives like KFON, Public WIFI and SDPK but also help get inputs on how to leverage these investments for the effective growth of the sector and creation of employment. The event in Kochi is a coming together of achievers in the knowledge industry, creating a platform for information exchange on topics of great relevance to the digital era that would benefit the state and nation” said the Chief Minister.
The two day event will see the convergence of nearly 2000 professionals, entrepreneurs, academicians, key influencers and other stakeholders from across the globe. Over 30 business leaders, who have made a name in the global knowledge industry, are being invited to share insights on the opportunities that would help enterprises compete and lead in a digital world. The skill set upgradation of employees and students required for the changing scenario would also be focussed on.
“This would be a wonderful opportunity for Kerala based IT companies, start-ups, aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals to understand directly from some of the brightest minds in the world about emerging trends in the digital space and what the future holds for them. So every stakeholder – entrepreneurs and enterprises from within and outside the state, belonging to all verticals (Education, Health, Financial Services, IT, Hospitality, Travel & Transportations, etc), Government, academic institutions would be direct beneficiaries” said SD Shibulal, Chairman of HPIC and founder member of Infosys.
The event is envisaged to be a bi-yearly event that will create and nurture a network of digital achievers and inspire them to participate in the digital ambitions of the state. It will showcase the digital achievements of the state and promote the potential of the state as a consumption ready digital market place. Each edition of the event will have few core themes which the panels and experts will debate and discuss. The core themes will be well researched before the event and the findings distributed for the benefits of the participants.
One of the highlights of the event would be the digital experience theatre – a state of the art – virtually simulated and interactive platform – that would be set up at the venue of the event. Select global companies from different verticals – healthcare, banking, telecom, unique start-ups – undergoing digital transformation will provide a wholesome digital life-style experience to visitors. This exclusive, a one of a kind, experience will enable delegates to have a sneak preview of what the future in those verticals would look like.
A direct outcome of the event will be the formation of a ‘Digital Achievers Network of Kerala Origin’, the members of which will, on a collective and individual basis, become the brand ambassadors of Kerala. This network will also serve as an ideation platform for championing the cause of Kerala to become a hub for the knowledge industry.
“#future will be the most high profile IT event and the best ever of its kind conducted in the state of Kerala. It is not conceived as an investor meet, rather it will have educative value-adding sessions – key note addresses and panel discussions – and great networking opportunities with the veritable who-is who of the knowledge industry world-wide.
The overall theme ‘towards a digital future’ has been carefully chosen as it is currently an important point of conversation in businesses in India and globally. Disruptive technological forces are set to revolutionize the way businesses is being done. Kerala cannot afford to be left behind” said VK Mathews, convener of the event and a member of the HPIC.
‘The purpose of #future is to inspire and energise people towards a knowledge-driven digital future. Such renewed energy, drive and aspiration should help facilitate the accelerated growth of the IT/ digital opportunities of Kerala. It should motivate global professionals of Kerala origin to join hands to realize the state’s digital vision” he added.
The Governments recent steps to broad base the IT industry include initiatives like KFON (optic fibre network for free internet connectivity to 20 lakh families), Public WIFI (WIFI hotspots in 2000 public places) and SDPK (skill development platform for engineering students to upgrade their skill sets). These initiatives will be showcased at the event. Major industry bodies like NASSCOM, Confederation of Indian Industry, TiE, Kerala Management Association, GTECH and the Chamber of Commerce have been invited to partner #future. Ernst & Young will be the Knowledge Partner.
“With more than 30 million people who are connected and consumption ready, Kerala presents a phenomenal business ecosystem for digital players. The non-pollutive nature of the IT industry makes it eminently suitable for a state like Kerala with a high density of population. The getting together of some of the proven names, holding high and influential positions, under one roof will provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase the digital potential of the state and to soft-sell Kerala as a destination for the knowledge industry” said KM Abraham, Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala. ​