The Future Digileaders event, held on 17 October as part of the annual Digitalize in Stockholm conference, was a great success, providing participants with valuable insights into leadership in the digital era, diversity and inclusion, and the latest advancements in digitalization research.
“Future Digileaders met and exceeded our expectations, leaving participants with enriched perspectives, valuable connections, and a renewed sense of purpose in their leadership journeys,” says Qianwen Xu, Associate Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Chair of the Program Committee for Future Digileaders.
Some 40 young researchers from around the globe came from near and far to discuss, share ideas, and learn: Boston University, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Zhejiang University, Brunel University London, Uppsala University, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, ETH Zurich, Philips Research, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University, Victoria University, University of Technology Sydney in Australia, Nanyang Technological University, Trinity College Dublin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Graz University of Technology in Austria, University Collge London, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, The George Washington University, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Institute for Infocomm Research A*STAR and Chalmers University of Technology.
The event commenced with a lively networking session over lunch at the Digital Futures hub, setting a collaborative tone for the day. Jelena Zdravkovic, Professor at Stockholm University and Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion at Digital Futures, then welcomed participants and provided context for the day’s discussions.
Pia Sandvik, Director General at Teknikföretagen, delivered a compelling keynote, sharing her leadership experiences and insights into navigating the digital landscape. Her speech covered the importance of diversity and inclusion in academia and industry, along with forward-looking trends in digitalization.
The first panel focused on what it means to be a digital leader. Moderated by Sepideh Pashami of RISE, the panel discussion featured Kristina Höök, Jenny Erneman, and Sara Mazur, providing diverse perspectives on digital leadership.
Led by Liane Colonna, the mentorship speed dating session facilitated meaningful interactions, with experts offering guidance on various aspects of academic and industrial leadership.
Therese Balksjö moderated the second panel on inclusion and diversity in academia and industry. The panel delved into the crucial topics of inclusion and diversity in the workplace, exploring the role of AI in fostering a more inclusive environment.
Sanna Kuoppamäki guided participants through a reflective session, allowing them to distil key takeaways and consider the application of insights to their leadership roles.
The day concluded with a vibrant networking and mingle buffet, providing a relaxed setting for participants to connect further and share experiences.
“The event successfully fulfilled its goal of shaping the leaders of tomorrow in an ever-evolving digital landscape,” concluded Jelena Zdravkovic, Professor at Stockholm University and Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion at Digital Futures.
Link to more information about the Awarded Future Digileaders and the Program
