Johannesburg, 01 Apr 2015
The digital economy has arrived. No matter what business you are in, your world is changing because digital is rewriting the rules.
So says Neil Jacobsohn, CEO of FutureWorld and keynote speaker at ITWeb's inaugural Digital Economy Summit, which takes place on 21 April at The Forum in Bryanston.
"Customers are already digital - if businesses don't follow this world, they will fail, sooner rather than later," he says.
This exciting new event - the first to tackle the digital economy in SA - will sketch the digital scenario of the future and provide practical, hard-hitting advice on how technology organisations must evolve to support the business.
The line-up of carefully selected subject matter experts includes:
* Mike Schussler, a leading local economist, will discuss: 'The digital economy in a global market - the transformation of economic fundamentals'.
* Mark Schefermann, director of social media, analytics and strategy at Base2, will talk about: 'The importance of evolving business structures and models in the digital age'.
* Dr Miriam Altman, head of strategy at Telkom, will examine the context for growing digital business and factors that will stimulate or hinder demand for digital services in SA.
* Jonathan Levin, an economist, digital currency consultant and entrepreneur, will explain where value is created in digital currencies and how to safely engage with them.
* Alon Lits, GM, Uber Johannesburg and Durban, will cover what can be learnt from the Uber success story - how to become a successful disrupter.
* Rich Van As, inventor of RoboBeast 3D printer, will tackle disruptive innovation.
The full agenda can be viewed here.
According to the Digital Evolution Index (DEI), created by the Fletcher School at Tufts University, the transition to a global digital economy in 2014 was sporadic - brisk in some countries, choppy in others. The index ranked 50 countries and assigned each a Stand Out, Stall Out, Break Out or Watch Out status. South Africa was identified as a Break Out country, one that had the potential to develop a strong digital economy.
"This DEI simply underscores what is already being picked up in our local markets - that the digital economy is here, and local businesses will have to adapt via innovation or die," says Ranka Jovanovic, editorial director at ITWeb.
"Our Digital Economy event is a result of the need to examine how digital is rewriting the rules and the impact the sweeping change happening across industries will have on local business," she adds.
"These changes are driven by tech innovations, but the event is not for tech decision-makers only - it is designed for strategic thinkers responsible for all aspects of their company's future, and for companies serious about business in the digital age."
ITWeb Digital Economy Summit 2015
21 April 2015
The Forum, Bryanston
Click here to find out more and register to attend.
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