USC President C. L. Max Nikias returned to Los Angeles from Davos, Switzerland, after attending the 2017 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The annual gathering brings together industry leaders, policy makers and heads of state from across the world. Discussions focused on a theme of ‘responsive and responsible leadership’ and examined topics such as globalization and the societal impacts of key technological advances.
During the week, Nikias participated in the annual meeting of the Global University Leaders Forum (GULF), a group that includes some of the leading research universities in the world. University leaders focused on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a term the World Economic Forum has coined to describe the impact of the fusion of technologies now beginning to blur the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres. USC, with it recognized strengths in engineering, the biosciences and digital media, will be an important partner to the Forum in this area.
Also during the week, Nikias hosted a reception for alumni, parents and friends of the university.
In addition to Nikias, USC Keck School of Medicine’s David Agus and USC School of Cinematic Arts’ Tracy Fullerton were also in Davos this week, to present their work on panels and workshop sessions with industry and public policy leaders.