IEEE Innovation Summit Develops Ways To Make Strategic Initiatives

IEEE Events in Scotland: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

In early October, I had the opportunity to attend two IEEE events in and around Glasgow, Scotland. The first event was the IEEE Technology Summit, which focused on CleanTech Solutions at the Glasgow Convention Center. The second event was the Innovation Summit, held at Cameron House near Loch Lomond. Both events showcased the IEEE’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future and using technology to reduce our carbon footprint.

The CleanTech Solutions Summit, organized by IEEE Technical Activities, brought together international experts to discuss various topics related to sustainable technology. One of the panel discussions that caught my attention was on making semiconductors with less energy, featuring experts from several organizations involved in semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This discussion highlighted the importance of reducing energy consumption in the semiconductor industry and exploring new ways to achieve this goal.

IEEE’s Strategic Plan and the Innovation Summit

The Innovation Summit, on the other hand, was a two-day experiment aimed at finding new ways to attract and evaluate proposals for innovative ideas within the IEEE. The event was attended by IEEE volunteer leaders and staff, who were tasked with evaluating and developing ambitious new initiatives to achieve the organization’s 5-year strategic plan. The plan, which was created last year, outlines the IEEE’s goals for the next five years, including funding for strategic activities.

IEEE President Kathleen Kramer created an ad hoc committee, chaired by Fred Shindler, to explore ways in which the IEEE can pursue and fund activities to further these strategic goals. The committee’s work is crucial in identifying and supporting projects that require significant funding and time to complete. The image of IEEE leaders, including Mary Ellen Randall, Fred Shindler, and Kathleen Kramer, at the Innovation Summit, highlights the organization’s commitment to innovation and strategic planning.

Proposals and Initiatives at the Innovation Summit

Over 80 proposals were submitted for consideration at the Innovation Summit, with about 20 selected for further evaluation. These proposals ranged from practical topics, such as AI for Predictive Optimization and Efficient Maintenance in Mining Trucks, to more ambitious projects focused on providing benefits to society. One of the proposals that stood out was the use of AI to advance scientific advancement by tracking unfulfilled searches on IEEE Xplore, the IEEE document library, to identify technology blind spots.

Another interesting proposal was the enhancement of the IEEE program for getting kids interested in engineering, called Try Engineering, using AI to tailor resources to individual students’ needs and help teachers create lesson plans aligned with country and state guidelines. Small groups of IEEE volunteer leaders and staff were tasked with evaluating and developing these initiatives, and the proposals often underwent significant changes during the discussion process.

The groups then made a 5-minute pitch and answered questions about their proposal, which were evaluated by those who heard the pitches. This process allowed for a thorough examination of each proposal and provided a platform for innovative ideas to be showcased and developed further.

A Bright Future for the IEEE

The IEEE events in Scotland demonstrated the organization’s commitment to creating a more sustainable future and using technology to reduce our carbon footprint. The Innovation Summit, in particular, showcased the IEEE’s efforts to identify and support ambitious new initiatives that align with its strategic plan. As the IEEE continues to work towards its goals, it is likely that some of the initiatives presented at the Innovation Summit will be developed further and funded in the future.

The IEEE’s work in Scotland is just the beginning of a larger effort to create a more sustainable future and provide value and opportunities to people around the world. With its strategic plan in place and a commitment to innovation, the IEEE is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the years to come.