We are at the beginning of a century thatpromises to turn the status quo, as we know it,on its head. The balance of power is shifting;emerging economies are now recognised askey new drivers of global development. We livein a flattening world.

These developments harbour both excitingopportunities and existential threats. Educationand entrepreneurship, most would agree, areat the vortex of change. What can we do, aseducators and entrepreneurs, to be relevant inthe 21st century’s knowledge-driven economy?How can we create self-reinforcing synergiesbetween educators and business people?

This conference will provide a forum in whichentrepreneurs, educators and other keystakeholders can come together to explorefuture scenarios and strategies to address them.

Topics will include:
What will it take to survive and thrive in the coming years? What knowledge, skills and competencies will entrepreneurs, engineers, managers, workers need?

How will educators develop programmes and systems to optimally prepare people to meet the challenges they will be facing in their personal and professional lives?

What can we, as entrepreneurs and educators, learn from current good and best practices?

What does not work – in business and in education - and how can we learn from these experiences?How can we use technology to become more competitive?

How can the internet, social media and web applications support entrepreneurshipand engineering educationHow can we influence the formulation of national and international strategies that will promote competiveness?

How can existing businesses be supported to increase their competitiveness?How can universities become more competitive?

What are the implications of entrepreneurship and innovation on business andengineering education

Scenarios for Development in the 21st century