Small Rooms | Big Ideas

weaving our social fabric with technology

The advancements of Information Technology (IT) in the past decade have pushed this discipline and industry into the forefront of solving increasingly complex problems. With the relationship of IT and the social fabric of society generally overlooked we are witnessing an unparalleled time of break-fix solutions and ailing innovation. Challenges faced by individuals, society and ultimately the city can no longer afford to be solved superficially.

Small Rooms | Big Ideas challenges existing debate and conversation methods by breaking the big issues into small bites. We will explore the various ways IT impacts our lives and areas of habitation. By using the city as a focal point, we will create conversations about enabling citizens in ways unique to their social, political and economic structure at both the local and global level.

Our exploration of Small Rooms | Big Ideas will help provide a holistic overview of how IT is being taken from business strategy to architecture and beyond.

Itinerary

Perspective I

• Change is inevitable.
• Wealth disparity continues on a relentless trend upward.
• Individuals, societies and cities are becoming more technologically advanced.

Our discussion will surround what ways can the developing world generate and implement innovative technological solutions to help deliver education, improve citizen health, and drive a global playing economy? We will discuss which technologies and strategies will help bolster a viable social fabric within developing countries.

Perspective II

• Pervasive advancements in IT force constant evolution of technological requirements.
• BRIC nations face unending threats to their competitive advantage.
• What strategies will drive successes?
• Who will be the losers?

This conversation will be driven by questions like: if a BRIC country becomes a real-player in the global economy, what technologies and methods are used to sustain a competitive advantage? What changes to existing thought leadership and direction occur? Are formal strategies in place and are they providing a leading edge against underdeveloped nations? Does the success of BRIC nations mean less global economic opportunity to share?

Among other factors, powerful global corporations, emergence of Web 2.0 technologies, and the increased ease of information displacement have changed our social landscapes. In light of this shift , how will cities, like Toronto, be using technology to gain a competitive advantage in the changing global landscape? Are they improving the quality of life for its residents? What defines a fully developed/knowledge city? Where does Toronto stand?