Tech Plus Forum 2009

Forum aims at searching for future trends for technology development with theme of Ideas Changing the World

The Tech Plus Forum 2009 took place on Dec. 9-10 at the Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel with the main theme of “Ideas Changing the World,” hosted jointly by the Korea Institute for Advancement in Technology (KIAT) and the Joongang Media Network. Tech is an acronym for the words technology, economy, culture and human.
Academics and experts in various fields delivered speeches on new ideas separated from the traditional way of thinking to discover future trends in technology development and corporate reform.
President Kim Yong-geun of the KIAT said in his speech that the world has been changing since the Industrial Revolution for the better. Since the 18th century, human beings have been able to increase productivity and the world economy has continued to expand, showing that technology has been impacting life and culture, not to speak of the economy, he said.
The KIAT head said the world is faced with a new age following the global economic recession and worry about sustainable growth and green technology with discussions on the fusion of various academic subjects and the social responsibility that comes with new technology.
“Our technology should break out of the curtain of intensive global competition and open innovation trends and meet with the world stressing humanism, not just function,” Kim said.
By hosting the event, both KIAT and the Joongang Media Network truly hope it will be a catalyst for seeking ways to enable the fusion of technology with economy, culture and humans through discussions on the issues with global academics and experts who are filled with creative future visions of the knowledge ecology, the KIAT head said.
In the meantime, President and Publisher Song Pil-ho of the Joongang Media Network, said in his welcoming speech, “Since the Industrial Revolution, the world has undergone transition and development in line with technological change. The ongoing technological breakthroughs since the 18th century have led human productivity toward reaching its maximum level while fostering the continuous growth of the global economy. As a result, the technological influence has expanded, not only in terms of the economy, but also for human life and culture.”
After the economic crisis, he said, sustainable growth and green technology have gained considerable momentum. “Consequently,” Song continued, “most discussions now center on technological convergence with other academic fields and the social responsibility of technology. This has ushered in a new era for technological discourse. With the current prevalence of intense competition and open innovation across the globe, our technology should also transcend its boundaries in order to encounter the world and express not only function, but also humanism.”
The first-day had five sessions. President Kim of KIAT delivered the opening speech followed by Minister Choi Kyung-hwan of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy with his speech entitled, “New Growth Strategy of Korea’s Economy Dealing with the New Economic Order after the Crisis.” Professor Henry Petroski of Duke University in North Carolina, the United States, gave a keynote speech entitled, “Science, Engineering and Invention: Keys to Solving Problems.”
The two sessions in the afternoon dealt with the themes of “Jumping Together” and “Technology Meets Society.”
John Maeda, president of the Rhode Island School of Design, presented papers on “The Meaning of Innovation” at the session in Mugunghwa Hall; The RISD IDEA; Bill Hollins, a consultant with Direction Consultants and a professor at the University of Westminster, presented papers on “Stretching the Spectrum of Design”; and Professor Lee Kun-woo of Seoul National University made a presentation on the “Convergence from the Human.” Professor Jeong Karp-joo moderated the session.
In the afternoon session held at Grand Hall, Mattie Mathison, director, Center for Science, Technology and Economic Development, SRI International, presented papers on “Technomics: the Convergence of Technology and Economics”; Kim Hwan-kuk, professor at Kookmin University, presented his papers on “The Debate of Technology ―Why Does It Happen?” Professor Park Jin-hee of Dongguk University presented papers on “Is Your Technology Viable?” Professor Lee Joon-sik moderated the session.
There were two late afternoon sessions, one on “The Appearance of a New Competitor” and the other on “Technology Is Art.” In the first session, which took place at Mugunghwa Hall, Chris Downs, founder and non-executive director of Live Work, presented papers on “Three Secrets for Success in a Converging World,” followed by Professor Kim Young-se of Sungkyunkwan University on “The Era of Product-Service Convergence, Change & Value.” Professor Tony Garrett of Korea University Business School presented papers on “Beyond Boundaries: Collaborating for Innovation.” Lee Zoon-ky, professor at Yonsei University, moderated the session.
Professor Petroski delivered his papers on “How the Best of Designs Incorporate Both Sound Engineering and Strong Aesthetic Value,” followed by Lee Tai-sik on “The Interesting Communication Between Technology and People.” The session’s main theme was “Design of Bridges: How the Best of Designs Incorporate both Sound Engineering and Strong Aesthetic Value.”
The main theme of the second day’s session was “Future Countermove with Enterprise.” The day’s first session was held at the Art Hall and featured “Technology Shift ―Opportunity and Impact on Business and Society.” Principal Ragu Gurumurthy, Deloitte Consulting USA, spoke on the main theme, followed by Kim Kyeong-jun, partner, Deloitte Consulting Korea. The session was moderated by Alex Jo, director, Deloitte Korea.
Kishore Swainathan, chief scientist, Technology Lab Research Director, Accenture, presented his papers on “The Every Thing Elastic ―Four Technology Trends to Watch for the Future Business Growth & Save Money Agenda,” followed by Jun Hyun-chul, partner, National Industry Program Leader, Deloitte Korea, on “Fast 500 for the Future.” Professor Kim Ran-do spoke on the “2010 10 Consumer Trends in Korea: TIGEROMICS.” Professor Bae-Joong-myeon moderated the session.
The third session was on “New Markets & Opportunities.” Marcus Von Engel, lead of Technology Growth Platform, Accenture Korea, spoke on “Success through Path-Seeking Innovation,” while Cho Bum-woo, president, Cisco Systems Korea, spoke on “IT Enabled Green Enterprise for the Future.” CEO Lee Chul-won of Knowledgeworks Co. presented papers on “Overcoming NIH Syndrome,” with moderator Lee Sang-goog, professor at The Catholic University, Korea.
The fourth session was on “More than New” with Joel Garreau, principal of Garreau Group, delivering a speech on “Radical Revolution,” followed by Song Young-il, president of NComputing Inc., speaking on “The Smart Growth Strategy for Emerging Technology Ventures.”
The fifth session dealt with the subject of “Future with Us” with professor Peter Bishop of the University of Houston delivering a speech on “A New Generation,” followed by Peter Jager, country president of Novartis Korea. And Lee Won-joon, Managing Partner, Accenture Asia Pacific AIIT, Accenture Korea, speaking on “2020 Future Trends: How to Respond to Changing Market Environment and Needs.”
The sixth session was on “Going Green,” which had Kim Se-hwan, partner and Green Management Center Leader, Deloitte Korea, speaking on “Green Strategy for Next Growth.” nw

A scene from the Tech Plus Forum 2009 held on Dec. 9-10 at Sheraton Walkerhill with the subject of “Ideas Changing the World” hosted jointly by the Korea Institute for Advancement in Technology and the Joongang Media Network.