Global Economic Outlook for 2021 and Beyond: Headwinds and Tailwinds

Automation Alley’s virtual event will feature international business experts whom will discuss the shifting dynamics of the global economy and how companies can best position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities and challenges of doing business around the world in 2021. For example, will we finally see the coronavirus in our rearview mirror or will it boomerang its way back with a second or even a third wave? How will the seemingly intractable U.S.-China trade conflict continue to impact the international economy at large? Will nationalism, populism and the decoupling of trade and investment relations between nations lead to a new cold war between the superpowers? Equally, if not more importantly, how will the U.S. presidential election and our nation’s increasing political polarization impact the entire equation?

Other things to watch out for include geopolitical risks (i.e., China, Iran, North Korea and Russia) and black swans events or potential blind spots that may disrupt the future performance of U.S. business and industry. Closer to home, how will these factors affect Michigan’s business climate, especially our automotive, advanced manufacturing, defense and other high-tech industries? 

AGENDA

Speakers:

Noel H. Nevshehir
As director of Automation Alley’s International Business Services, Noel’s responsibilities include assisting SMEs become globally competitive by expanding their markets overseas. He identifies countries with a high demand for Michigan-made products, services and technologies and leads trade missions around the world where U.S. companies have an opportunity to meet with potential buyers, end users and business partners.

James E. Glassman 
As managing director of JPMorgan Chase and head economist for Chase Commercial Banking, James Glassman provides market insights to help clients better understand the changing economy and its impact on their business. Mr. Glassman also works closely with the firm’s Corporate Sector, including the Chief Investment Office and Investor Relations, as well as the Investment Bank and Government Relations groups, providing financial analysis and research.



 

Chris Holman
As a former high school teacher, coach, university instructor, and college Dean, Chris has become one of Lansing’s most prominent businessmen. Not only is he a successful entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience, he is also a business owner influencing the entire state of Michigan. 






 

Cynthia Hutchison
Cynthia Hutchison is Vice President of Automation Alley, a globally recognized Industry 4.0 knowledge center and a World Economic Forum Advanced Manufacturing Hub (AMHUB), where she oversees program development, operations, sales, marketing and government affairs efforts for the nonprofit association's portfolio of 1,100-plus technology and manufacturing member companies across Michigan.

Francisco Betti
Francisco is the Head of the Advanced Manufacturing Industry community and manages the global platform for Shaping the Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Production, which was launched by the World Economic Forum in 2017 upon request of world leading governments and companies. Prior to joining the World Economic Forum, Francisco worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers SA in Geneva, Switzerland, primarily running management consulting projects for international organizations.



 

Dr. Oscar Lazaro
Dr. Oscar Lazaro is Managing Director of Innovalia Association. He has more than 20 years of experience in the digital and manufacturing field and is also Visiting Professor at the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department of the University of Strathclyde in the area of wireless & mobile communications. He is a permanent representative of Innovalia in EFFRA and BDVA and has also served on the Future Internet Advisory Board and the Sherpa Group on 5G Action Plan. He leads the establishment of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Advanced Manufacturing HUB (AMHUB) in the Basque Region of Spain. 

Bruno Jorge Soares
Bruno Jorge has a background in business and decision-making theory and has acted as a consultant for market intelligence and strategy since 1998. In 2009, he entered the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development (ABDI). In 2016, he led the industry 4.0 program at ABDI. Bruno also acts as a coordinator in the ABDI’s program that connects startups and corporations.