Work in the Future Conference 2018

On October 4th, 2018, The Jacob and Marcus Wallenberg Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Business Development jointly with House of Innovation and the Wallenberg Foundations arranged a conference on the theme of Work in the Future.

Organisations worldwide are facing a period of expansive and rapid change driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), digitalisation and new business models. These changes transform industries and the nature of work, posing considerable opportunities and challenges for individuals, organisations and society. How do we manage this transition, and find ways to empower people through this process? This was the main question of the conference.

The cenference was an exclusive full day of engaging conversations with business executives, distinguished scholars, thought leaders and policy makers, co-hosted by The Jacob and Marcus Wallenberg Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Business Development, Stockholm School of Economics and the Wallenberg Foundations.

09.00 – 09.15: WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

Jacob Wallenberg, Chairman Investor AB, and Professor Sarah Jack, SSE

09.15 – 11.00: Theme 1
HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRANSFORMS WORK AND LIFE

How is AI impacting the workplace and what can we expect for the near future? How is AI impacting jobs and the characteristics of the workplace? Professor Danica Kragic from KTH, along with innovators from the private and public sectors, will map out what a future with AI can look like and what some of the important decisions and choices will be for shaping work and life.

Speakers:
Professor Danica Kragic, KTH
Darja Isaksson, Director-General, Vinnova
Luka Crnkovic-Friis, CEO & Founder, Peltarion
Eleonore Schlyter, Head of unit, Department of Labour, Trelleborg Municipality
Conversation between Marcus Wallenberg, Caroline Berg, Eleonore Schlyter and Luka Crnkovic-Friis.

11.00 – 11.25: COFFEE BREAK

11.25 – 12.50: Theme 2
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF ORGANIZATIONS

What do organisations need to do to remain competitive? How do we best upgrade competencies and skills to remain attractive? Professor Michael Barrett from Cambridge University, and below speakers will share insights and experiences on how to approach and drive transformative change in organizations and at the national level.

Presentation of conversation facilitators professor Magnus Mähring and Assistant Professor Frida Pemer.

Speakers:
Professor Michael Barrett, Cambridge University
Kaidi Ruusalepp, CEO & Founder, Funderbeam
Peter Voser, Chairman, ABB
Katrin Westling Palm, Director-General, The Swedish Tax Agency

12.50 – 13.45: LUNCH AND MINGLE

Two conversation facilitators circulate the crowds and pick up and interpret relevant themes relating to the sessions.

13.45 – 15.45: Theme 3
POLICY RESPONSES TO TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE

How can Sweden take a leading role in shaping a sustainable and competitive future for individuals, organizations and societies? Alongside Professor Per Krusell from the Institute for International Economic Studies, policy makers and thought leaders from global companies and institutions will present and discuss approaches and strategies, and the role of policy, for shaping work in the future.

Reflections from the floor, report by conversation facilitators.

Speakers:
Christophe André, Economist, OECD Sweden/Finland desk
Professor Per Krusell, IIES
Prof. Dr. Markus Schmitz, Arbeitsagentur Germany
Final panel including Anders Ferbe, Eva Nordmark, Susanne Ackum and Calle Leinar

15.45 - 16.00: CLOSING REMARKS

Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman SEB, and Professor Sarah Jack, SSE

16.00 - 17.30: LIGHT DINNER AND MINGLE