8th Floor Window

Michael Eisner's New Show

CNBC has introduced a new show hosted by former Walt Disney chief executive, Michael Eisner – “Conversations with Michael Eisner.” The concept is to take a look inside the driving factors behind businesses, and have relevant and timely conversation with top leaders in different fields – technology, captains of industry, consulting among others. The show is very new, only a few have aired, but I managed to catch an episode last week. Eisner interviewed Bran Ferren, a leading technologist and co-founder of Applied Minds Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in developing technology and creative solutions to problems at the highest level of corporate America and government. Their clients include General Motors, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Herman Miller, and Harris Corporation.

During the interview, Ferren touched on some very interesting points including the idea that America is losing its technology edge to rising China and other countries that continue to invest more in this sector – education and resources. Ferren posited that basically, America is in trouble, and that it will be difficult to sustain the innovation and creativity that was marked by the American Century (20th), as engineering and other technology fields bloom in Asia-Pac and Europe. The competition is escalating, which may cause a serious negative impact on American business.

Ferren also discussed some of the major technological advancements that he sees in the next 20 – 25 years. Ferren explained his view that, pre-fabricated human transplants will soon become commonplace, and will extend human life to new heights. In the same way, nanotechnology will be developed, connecting to wireless technologies. For example, humans would have instantaneous interaction with the Internet through ingesting a nanotech platform (molecular level technologies). The system would become part of your body. Also, the same idea could lead to medical breakthroughs, and new ways of conquering disease and terminal illness.

It was a really exciting conversation. If you have a minute, check out Applied Minds on the web, or comments on the show from the Disney blog linked above.

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posted by 8thfloorwindow @ 1:07 PM