The School of Business combines a team of experts in technology, data analysis, and business implementation. Digital Frontier Initiative It will help businesses in Connecticut.
The initiative is led by three UConn business professors with deep roots in business innovation and analytics and is available for industry partnerships, research and workforce development. The leader's expertise includes artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
“There is tremendous interest among Connecticut businesses in discovering and leveraging the benefits of AI and other advances for strategic advantage,” said the business school dean. Masu. John A. Elliott.
“Before we officially announced this initiative, we received calls from representatives from Fortune 100 companies requesting information about how we could help,” Elliott said.
This initiative is led by Operational Information Management Department (OPIM) Learn at the School of Business and build on the expertise of other successful UConn business programs.
“This is an opportunity for our faculty to strengthen our outreach and industry collaboration efforts,” the professor said. Li Cuihong, Head of OPIM Department. “We will create one division for industry that will support research, education and advocacy.”
“Connecticut businesses need help staying current with all these changes, especially the burgeoning AI revolution. How this technology is disrupting businesses and creating new opportunities. “Everyone wants to know,” she said. “With our connections and collaborations with industry, we will have a significant impact in Connecticut and beyond.”
Mr Lee said the Digital Frontier Initiative is developing at the right time.
“Our faculty are leaders in the creation and dissemination of knowledge that extends the frontiers of business analysis, information systems, and operations management in a digitally driven global economy,” she said. “Through rigorous research, innovative education, and industry collaboration, we are building a deep understanding of how information, technology, and operations can be used to solve critical business problems and drive sustainable growth.” By bridging industry and academia, DFI serves as a critical component of the OPIM Division to achieve that mission.”
The Digital Frontier Initiative combines the expertise of three long-standing programs. Connecticut Information Technology Institute (CITI), Center for Business Analysis Advancement (CABA) and Innovate Labs (formerly OPIM Innovate). CITI will continue to be the umbrella organization and combine its programs with those of his CABA and Innovate Labs to form the Digital Frontier Initiative. The goal is to synchronize efforts to better serve businesses. The program will also be expanded to campuses in Storrs, Stanford and Hartford.
Initiative leadership includes:
- Executive Director John Moorehas created the school's Innovation Lab, which allows students and faculty to develop skills in new technologies, from flying drones to developing skills in virtual reality. Innovate Labs, which started in Storrs, will soon open his second location in Stamford, followed by a location in Hartford, to meet the growing interest.
- Academic Director Wei ChenHe is a professor and expert in generative AI, with a focus on business applications and technology customization, safety and ethics.
- Associate Director Jennifer Eigoa professor with a strong background in strategic business collaboration, has facilitated experiential learning opportunities that pair talented students with leading businesses in Connecticut.
All are supported by faculty in the department, and the initiative is closely integrated with OPIM's teaching and research programs.
The Digital Frontier Initiative banquet Friday at Storrs. The faculty team also recently led a panel discussion at the academic conference on March 27th. AI day Program at the Graduate School of Business Learning Center in Hartford, co-sponsored with Launch[H] And Capgemini.
AI will change jobs, not replace them
Chen spoke with executives in Hartford and Stanford who were keen to customize AI for their companies and get the most out of it for their employees. Although some people he meets are concerned about AI replacing humans, Chen said he believes it will eliminate some of the tedious tasks and make work more enjoyable. Told.
“In financial institutions, for example, employees have to spend a lot of time on industry analysis, especially researching earnings and financial reports. AI summarization tools make the job much easier and faster. “It’s possible,” he said.
“For salespeople, AI can create a transcript of a sales call, digest it, and pull out important information in seconds: key people, products they’re interested in, their buying process. We can generate a report on what the situation is like,” Chen said. “This saves sales reps time.”
Chen said that AI is only as good as the humans who use it. “AI is not perfect. To be of high quality, it needs a human overseer to take the knowledge from good to good,” he said.
“AI increases organizational productivity and can be designed to work to our advantage,” he said. “It's not humans versus AI. It's humans with AI versus humans without AI.”
Moore: It's like doing math on a calculator.
Moore said growing opportunities in AI and data analytics are of interest to Connecticut businesses looking for ways to accelerate their success. They recognize the strategic benefits of his AI and other technologies and want to stay ahead of their competitors.
“This 'technology revolution' is still in its early stages, but it is rapidly gaining momentum,” he said. “I tell people it's like the difference between doing it by hand and using a calculator. We want to help companies stay ahead of the competition and keep the competition moving fast. I am.”
“We will have a direct impact on businesses in Connecticut because we will be able to train not only entrepreneurs and small business owners, but also employees,” he said. .
Another important part of this initiative includes the work of Eigo, a professor and strategic collaborator who has led multiple student-led capstone projects and other collaborations serving Connecticut businesses. It will be. Her student teams have supported many companies in Connecticut, including Stanley Black & Decker in New Britain, Potoo Solutions in Norwalk, Connecticut Foodshare in Wallingford, and CTtransit in Hartford. .
In his new role, Eigo will build relationships with companies and develop projects that benefit both companies and students.
This initiative will continue to provide students with hands-on business experience in preparation for entering a rapidly changing and highly data-driven workplace. Students participate in capstone projects, case challenges, training, and student consulting.
“When companies partner with us on projects, they not only achieve quality work, but also invest in developing Connecticut's workforce,” Eigo said. “Students gain real-world experience and companies can see student talent first-hand. When employment opportunities arise, our partners know where to find great candidates.”
For more information about the program, please contact dfi@uconn.edu.
