Digital Futures Virtual 2021 Conference by CWRU & IRI To Explore Major Shift To Digital Transformation Maturity Model

Digital Futures Virtual 2021 Conference by CWRU & IRI To Explore Major Shift To Digital Transformation Maturity Model

Companies will learn where they stand in the digital evolution and how to take their technology to the next level.

Media Contact

Bill Lubinger, Title

Phone: (216) 368-4443

Email: William.lubinger@case.edu

Media Contact
Mary Stewart, Marketing & Communications Manager

Phone: (703) 647-2587
Email: stewart@iriweb.org

CLEVELAND, OH (October 8, 2021)—The digital revolution is sweeping the global economy, and several organizations are embracing a massive digital transformation to better compete and serve their customers advance to the next level of “digital maturity.”

Case Western Reserve University and the Innovation Research Interchange (IRI) are hosting the 2021 Digital Futures Virtual Conference (DFC) on Oct. 11-14, featuring noted corporate keynote speakers to help guide enterprises on how to reach the next level in the  evolution of digital transformation.

Attendees will learn the tools to coordinate multiple digital innovation efforts across their organizations, create a mini roadmap for effective digital transformation, and learn from legacy leaders who have undergone successful digitalization.

This year’s conference—the third annual—will introduce “global benchmarking” among traditional firms, said Youngjin Yoo, the Elizabeth M. and William C. Treuhaft Professor in Entrepreneurship and Professor of Information Systems at the Case Western Reserve Weatherhead School of Management and one of the event’s keynote speakers. 

“We are particularly excited that, at this year’s DFC, we are launching a global research program on digital maturity among legacy firms in different industries and regions, forming a global industry-academic research partnership network,” Yoo said. “We are excited to continue the strategic partnership with IRI.”

Organizations are changing their products and services to become more digital-ready, embracing digital transformation to change how they engage with their customers.  Transforming their infrastructure to change how they work, using advanced digital tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the internet.

Anyone who’s shopped online is familiar with the power of highly personalized service based on individual preference and history—a digitally driven approach to enhancing customer service.

Given that evolution, the digital transformation market is expected to reach $3.2 trillion by 2025, according to a recent report from Meticulous Research.

“Digital transformation for traditional firms is no longer an option,” Yoo said, “but a necessity for their survivals and success.”

Each day of the conference will consist of a keynote presentation, followed by workshops tackling different elements of digital transformation. The goal of each workshop is to develop a set of specific items companies can use to assess themselves in the process.

Along with Yoo, scheduled keynote speakers are:

Sheri Smithey, vice president of the Global Research and Development Network at Nestle Purina PetCare.

Linda Rae, general manager for the Power Generation and Oil and Gas businesses for GE Digital. 

Jill Marlowe, digital transformation officer at NASA.

For more information and to register: case.edu/provost/about/events/2021-virtual-digital-futures-conference.

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Case Western Reserve University is one of the country’s leading private research institutions. Located in Cleveland, we offer a unique combination of forward-thinking educational opportunities in an inspiring cultural setting. Our leading-edge faculty engage in teaching and research in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Our nationally recognized programs include arts and sciences, dental medicine, engineering, law, management, medicine, nursing and social work. About 5,100 undergraduate and 6,700 graduate students comprise our student body. Visit case.edu to see how Case Western Reserve thinks beyond the possible.

The Innovation Research Interchange (IRI) is an organization of 200+ industrial and service companies having a common interest in the effective management of technological innovation. IRI member companies span diverse industries and represent a substantial portion of our nation’s gross domestic product. IRI is the only cross-industry organization creating innovation leadership solutions and best practices in innovation management developed through collaborative knowledge creation. For more information, visit www.iriweb.org.