Board of Trade Addresses ‘Workplace of Tomorrow’ at GW Business & Policy Forum
The Board of Trade joined regional leaders and MBA students at George Washington University’s Business & Policy Forum on October 22 to explore how innovation and policy are shaping the workplace of tomorrow and the region’s economic future.
The George Washington University School of Business reconvened its third annual Business & Policy Forum, “The Future of Work is Now,” to explore the opportunities and implications the future of work holds for technology, organizations, employees, and policymakers. Additional topics ranged from adapting and thriving in the workplace of tomorrow to sustainability and social impact.
Our President & CEO, Jack McDougle, joined fellow panelists to discuss the future of workforce and technology, sharing insights on how our region can adapt, invest, and lead in a rapidly changing economy. Jack outlined the strengths of the Greater Washington region: a highly educated workforce, deep federal roots, and a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that now ranks fifth nationally in venture capital investment. Yet, he warned that the same proximity to government that fuels stability can also breed risk aversion. For the region to fully leverage its advantages, both the public and private sectors must embrace a mindset of experimentation.
He pointed to Washington, D.C.’s delayed legislation on autonomous vehicles, noting how it has affected investment from Waymo and other innovators in the field—highlighting the region’s technical strength but cautious regulatory pace. “If we want to position ourselves as a global hub for innovation,” he said, “we need to demonstrate that we are willing to take on innovative technologies.”
The panel holistically closed with a reminder that, despite the promises of technology, progress depends on people’s willingness to adapt and challenge the status quo, underscoring the urgent need for cultural and institutional agility as the region prepares for the next wave of economic change. And that forward-thinking companies and organizations must be willing to experiment, collaborate, and rethink the traditional definition of workforce to best be equipped to thrive in the future.
We also heard from George Washington University President, Ellen Granberg, about how the university is helping grow opportunities and engage the community.
Forum attendees not only heard from several of the most influential figures in the future of work, but also enjoyed a premier networking opportunity to engage with key players, discover the innovations shifting business landscapes, and learn to adapt to changing work environments.
Thank you to The George Washington University and The George Washington University School of Business for helping grow Greater Washington! Events like this highlight the power of collaboration across business, government, and education to strengthen our region’s competitiveness and inclusive growth.
Learn more about where the Board of Trade is positioned on certain policy and legislation efforts in our region: https://bit.ly/4qu3Odh
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