AI Punctuated Revolution

AI Punctuated Revolution

AI and the Punctuated Revolution: How Technology is Transforming Our World 

Flashback to the 1950s: Elvis Presley had everyone “All Shook Up” with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel,” and Dean Martin serenaded many with “Memories Are Made of This.” It was a time of jukeboxes, rebellious teens, and…dinosaurs? Well, not literally, but let’s come back to that. 

Between the hip-swinging and chart-topping, the decade saw unprecedented leaps in medicine with the first organ transplant and the polio vaccine’s debut. In the same breath (and perhaps with the same visionary spirit that the King of Rock’ n’ Roll brought to music), John McCarthy introduced us to the term “artificial intelligence” at the Dartmouth Conference (read more.)

Now, picture McCarthy, Marvin Minsky, Nathaniel Rochester, and Claude Shannon at Dartmouth in a brainstorming session that might’ve rivaled the brainstorm that led T-Rex to evolve those tiny arms. Yep, you heard it right. Dinosaurs. They’ve got a part to play in this tale.

See, there’s this notion called “Punctuated Equilibrium” in biology. Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge introduced us to this captivating concept. This theory posits that life typically hums along in a stable rhythm, but now and then, in a twist reminiscent of a surprise guitar solo, it experiences dramatic shifts. Imagine the Earth spinning an unpredictable tune, leading to extinction events like the dinosaurs. This abrupt interlude made way for the rise of small mammals, which, in a crescendo of evolution, eventually set the stage for… well, us.

Techie Time Warp

Parallel to the rock ‘n’ roll revolution, technologies like neural networks quietly evolved, anticipating their breakout moment.

AI: The New Rock Star on the Block

The ’50s weren’t all greasers and milkshakes—it was the beginning of the AI revolution. With this tech trio—algorithms, data, and computing—it was as if the tech world found its rock star, fundamentally transforming industries, including healthcare. Early disease detection via AI? That’s your headlining act!

SMEs: The Breakout Bands

In the great concert of innovation, SMEs are your indie bands. They might not always make the headlines, but they have potential. By jamming with AI, they’re setting new trends, creating unique experiences, and aligning with the beats of the UN SDGs.

Dino-sized example? AI guiding SMEs to cut waste and elevate agricultural yields. It’s not quite a meteoric impact, but it’s shaping ecosystems, just like the aftereffects of our prehistoric friends’ departure.

The Encore: The Future of AI

Being a hit in the AI charts is like trying to maintain a classic song’s popularity—it takes constant reinvention. By syncing with global aims like the UN SDGs, SMEs ensure they’re not one-hit wonders but legends in the making.

Yet, the music world, like AI, demands responsibility. We have to ensure our innovations strike the right chord ethically.

As we navigate the confluence of biology, history, and technology, we’re presented with an unparalleled opportunity and a profound responsibility. The harmonious notes of “We Are the World,” a masterpiece crafted by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, remind us of the essence of unity and progress. With the swift rise of AI, we’re adding a fresh verse to our collective anthem of existence. This isn’t merely about ushering in a new era of innovation; it’s an earnest call for mindful stewardship. History’s dramatic shifts, like the abrupt finale of the dinosaurs, offer a poignant lesson: permanence is a myth. As we revel in the brilliance of technology, it’s crucial to strike a harmonious balance, ensuring our advancements don’t overshadow our essence. Let’s not mirror the dinosaurs or their ill-fated destiny; we’ve been blessed with foresight.

So, as we groove into the future, let’s remember the lessons from Elvis, the King, the unsung indie bands, and, yes, even the mighty dinosaurs. Combining rhythm, vision, and adaptability can create a harmonious, world-changing symphony. With the right tools and a chorus of global unity, we must ensure our legacy of sustainability, inclusivity, and vision echoes harmoniously for future generations.

2023SMEWorldForum

2023SMEWorldForum

SME World Forum Focuses on Azerbaijan, 

November 13-16, 2023.

The 2023 SME World Forum will bring together some of the business world’s most inventive and passionate leaders from academia, policy, and the youth sector. The Republic of Azerbaijan’s Small and Medium Business Development Agency will spearhead the event as the principal host. This World Forum is scheduled from November 13 to November 16, 2023, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The 2023 SME World Forum will bring together some of the business world’s most inventive and passionate leaders from academia, policy, and the youth sector. The Republic of Azerbaijan’s Small and Medium Business Development Agency will spearhead the event as the principal host. This World Forum is scheduled from November 13 to November 16, 2023, in Baku, Azerbaijan.


Submit Your Best Practice: 


SME World Forum: Baku 2023 — Best Practices Exchange

Forum Theme and Objectives:

The SME World Forum’s inaugural will reunite some of the most creative and emphatic world leaders of the business world, policy, academics,s and youth. The Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the main lead. It will be the primary host, and this World Forum will occur from November 13 to November 16, 2023, in Baku, Azerbaijan.

 

Host and Venue:

The Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan is honored to host this prestigious event. The World Forum will be held from November 13 to November 16, 2023. ICSB is partnering with the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The SME World Forum will target five key segments: Private Sector Companies, Startups, Policy Sector, Academic Sector, Education Sector, and Tourism & Hospitality. With special dedicated sessions on youth and women entrepreneurship:

Why Attend from the Private Sector?

Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers.
Cutting-edge Insights: Access the latest trends, strategies, and opportunities shaping the SME landscape.
Influence and Collaboration: Play an active role in shaping policies and best practices that impact the SME ecosystem globally.

 

Why Attend from Policy Sector?

Influence Policy Direction: Engage in critical dialogues with SME leaders, industry experts, and academics, contributing to formulating policies that foster small and medium enterprise growth, innovation, and sustainability.
Collaborate Across Sectors: Build partnerships with the private sector, educators, and legislators, promoting integrated approaches that align public policy with industry needs and societal goals, enhancing the effectiveness of regulations and interventions.
Access Global Perspectives: Gain insights from international thought leaders and policymakers, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of global trends and challenges. This knowledge will inform more effective local and national policy decisions that can drive positive change in the SME landscape.

 

Why Attend from the Academic Sector?

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with professionals across various fields, including business, policy, and technology, fostering a rich environment for innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration that can lead to new academic insights and breakthroughs.

Real-World Impact: Connect with practitioners in the SME sector to understand real-world challenges and opportunities, guiding research focus toward practical applications that can have tangible impacts on small and medium-sized enterprises.

Global Perspectives on SMEs: Participate in discussions and workshops led by international experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of global trends, regional variations, and cultural influences on SMEs, enriching your research and teaching methods with diverse and inclusive perspectives

 

Why Attend as Tourism & Hospitality Expert:

Industry Insights and Trends: Discover the latest trends, technologies, and innovative practices shaping the tourism and hospitality industry. Gain insights into consumer behavior and preferences, sustainability initiatives, and the role of SMEs in driving economic recovery and growth.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academics specializing in tourism and hospitality. Engaging in meaningful conversations can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and new business opportunities.

Skill Development and Knowledge Sharing: Attend workshops, seminars, and panel discussions led by experts in the field. Enhance your professional skills, learn about best practices, and contribute your experiences and insights to shape the future of tourism and hospitality in a world increasingly influenced by SMEs.

Why Attend as Women & Youth:

Empowerment and Inclusion: Explore initiatives and strategies to empower women and youth in business. Understand how SMEs are providing platforms for gender equality and youth involvement, and learn how you can contribute to these efforts.

Entrepreneurial Development: Gain insights into entrepreneurial opportunities tailored to women and young entrepreneurs. Learn from successful women and youth-led SMEs, and get inspired to launch or grow your venture.

Networking with Like-minded Individuals: Connect with women and youth leading the way in various industries. Build a network that can offer support, mentorship, and collaboration, all vital for personal and professional growth.

Education and Skill Enhancement: Participate in workshops and training sessions designed to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to women and youth in business. Benefit from personalized learning paths that align with your career goals.

Voice and Impact: Have your voice heard on issues directly impacting women and youth in the business environment. Engage with policy-makers, industry leaders, and academics to contribute your perspective and potentially influence the policies and practices that shape the future for women and youth in SMEs.

PerfectStorm

PerfectStorm

Addressing the “Perfect Storm”: A Human-Centered Approach to Academic Integrity and Transparency

Recent continued events have shaken the academic community’s foundations, leading us to a decisive crossroads. The reported severe charges of data falsification leveled against Professor Gino from Harvard University and the resignation of Dr. Tessier-Lavigne as President of Stanford University due to reported flaws in his research highlight the imperative for rigorous ethical guidelines and exhaustive examination procedures in the research community.

 

We are facing a scenario characterized by Herman Aguinis as an “irresponsible research perfect storm.”  Invoking an analogy with the film ‘The Perfect Storm,’ Dr. Agunis predicted and sounded an alarm concerning imminent threats that could devastate the management field. His open-source paper https://lnkd.in/ee6-_b2S stated this.

So, what do we do?

Our Response as Journal Leaders

As Editors in Chief of JSBM and JICSB and integral members of the leadership teams of Jeffrey Alves (Editor of JICSB), Katia Passerini (Interim President of Seton Hall), Eric Liguori, Head of the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Rowan University, we are monitoring these developments. Actively engaging with the academic community and liaising with our publisher, Taylor & Francis Group, we acknowledge the necessity to confront these issues and preserve the integrity of scholarly work.

I recommended that our team devise plans that focus on the following:

#1: Enhancing Transparency: By encouraging more open data reporting, we aim to make study findings universally accessible, thus reinstating confidence in academic research.

#2: Leveraging Technology: We intend to harness technology to simplify research data access, narrowing the divide between researchers and the broader readership.

#3: Celebrating Trial and Error: In acknowledging that research is a process of discovery and growth, we honor both success and failure, promoting a balanced perspective that values innovative findings and insightful questions leading to unexpected outcomes.

Conclusion

As distinguished scholars gather at esteemed venues such as AOM in Boston and ICSB this week, our cooperative, human-centered approach lays the foundation for a transformative era in academic research.

As my esteemed colleague, Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Immediate Past Chair of ICSB, succinctly articulated, ‘ We need a paradigm shift in how research is done and classified.’ This profound insight captures the essence of our mission and emphasizes the critical necessity for a transformative approach.’

I end it with a quote from Albert Einstein “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its reason for existence.”

May our academic community persist in its quest for knowledge, exploration, and the pursuit of truth and excellence.

by: Ayman ElTarabishy
Editor-in-Chief of JSBM
President & CEO, ICSB

KatiaPasserini

KatiaPasserini

A New Chapter at Seton Hall: Dr. Katia Passerini Appointed as Interim President, 

Blazing New Grounds in Education

🎓 Announcement and Congratulations to Seton Hall University!

I am thrilled to share the Board of Regents’ unanimous decision to appoint Dr. Katia Passerini as Interim President of Seton Hall, effective immediately.

 

Dr. Katia Passerini is also the Managing Editor of ICSB’s Journal for Small Business Management (JSBM). She is credited with Dr. Eric Liguori for making JSBM the leading journal for Associate Editor gender balance and the number one academic journal in entrepreneurship and small business domain to make a pledge that all submitted papers are published within 100 days of receipt. Our partners Taylor & Francis Group have accomplished this new cutting-edge solution excellently.

 

Katia Passerini is an award-winning writer and co-authored a best-selling book titled The Future of Business Schools: Purpose, Action, and Impact with the lead author from HEC, Dr. Baldegger Rico, Director and Professor of Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR).

 

Since joining as Provost and Executive Vice President in June 2020, at the peak of the global pandemic, Interim President Passerini has been instrumental in the University’s success. Her leadership in implementing the HyFlex teaching modality enabled Seton Hall to navigate the challenging times and achieve a safe and robust in-person academic year in 2020-21.

Her dedication, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been vital in steering the institution through uncharted territories. The future looks bright under her stewardship.

 

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Passerini and wishing her and the entire Seton Hall community success! 🎉

 

ICSB is very proud of you, JSBM thanks you for her continued leadership, and I think Dr. Passerini is just starting a remarkable career in creating a more dynamic Human-Centered world dedicated to improving the education field and teaching our upcoming leaders.

ICSB Family Congratulates You!

 

TheFutureAhead

TheFutureAhead

Entrepreneurial Revolution to Prosperity: ICSB’s Vision 2024

In 2022, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) held its World Congress in Washington, D.C., with a theme that resonated around the globe: the Entrepreneurial Revolution. This theme was both groundbreaking and shocking, as ICSB declared a revolution was indeed happening in the entrepreneurship domain.

 

Catalysts of Change
The Entrepreneurial Revolution, as defined by ICSB, has been fueled by a confluence of global challenges in recent years. Among these are the lingering and devastating effects of the war in Ukraine, the relentless battle with Covid-19, and the escalating challenges related to climate change.

These pressing issues have shaped the global landscape and galvanized a new era of entrepreneurial spirit that requires innovation, frugality, resilience, and a collaborative mindset.

 

Entrepreneurship for Humanity & Peace: The 2023 ICSB World Congress

The 2023 World Congress centered on “Entrepreneurship for Humanity & Peace.” The rationale behind this theme was the urgent need to counter the global challenges faced in 2022 with a proactive and united plan.

ICSB emphasized a multi-faceted approach, focusing on all aspects of this strategy. One of the critical elements highlighted was the role of Women and Youth entrepreneurship, especially in alignment with the UN Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day. This perspective stems from an understanding that empowering these demographic groups can lead to a more inclusive and robust global economy.

 

Progress and the Path Forward Based on a Human-Centered Approach

While there is a sense of progress and a growing global dialogue surrounding these issues, the ICSB recognizes that a significant spark is needed to propel this movement further. The focus is now shifting to what is believed to be the solution: harnessing the ideas of the youth and leveraging technology as a driver.

The power of young minds, fueled by technological innovation, can catalyze positive change, bridging gaps and creating opportunities. It’s a path that acknowledges the interdependence of various sectors and the need for a cohesive strategy to tackle global challenges.

 

Upcoming: The 2024 ICSB World Congress in Berlin, Germany

As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of the current global landscape, the ICSB is actively planning for the future. A new theme for the 2024 World Congress is on the horizon, with the promise of further building on the momentum created.

There’s a palpable sense of anticipation as the ICSB continues championing the cause of the Entrepreneurial Revolution. With a clear vision and a collaborative approach, they are making strides towards a future where entrepreneurship is not merely a business concept but a tool for building peace, humanity, and a more harmonious world.

Stay tuned as the journey continues and a new chapter unfolds in the exciting and ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship. The ICSB’s unwavering commitment to innovation and social responsibility promises to guide us towards new horizons, as they declare, “We have a plan.”

 

by: Ayman ElTarabishy
President & CEO, ICSB