Navigating Through a New Technological Era

With more than 340 registrants, this year’s BioSciences Forum attracted some of the biggest names in the bioscience, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries as well as some of today’s top business leaders. It also drew parallels between the topics of one of our speakers and the IBM Watson simulations from earlier this year on September 28th.  Both events discussed the current and future benefits and capabilities of technology to assist professionals in their craft, specifically as it relates to healthcare.

Harry Reynolds, a featured speaker from the forum, began by asking the audience how many of them owned a GPS. Most everyone raised his or her hand.  He then asked, “Now how many of you let your GPS drive your car?” He explained that although we use machines to assist with the collection, organization, and recollection of knowledge, it is the humans, the doctors for example, who are the “drivers” and ultimately make decisions and carry out processes. IBM’s supercomputer, Watson, is at the forefront of this new technological era.

When Watson traveled to N.C. State in September to challenge some daring Poole College of Management students in a trivia battle, it effortlessly defeated each one. Its extensive knowledge amounting to about 15,000 books is a clear indicator of the potential of machines and computers to store and recall data at any given moment, providing incredible value in aiding professionals.

IBM’s hopes are that Watson will bring this kind of precision data and aid to the healthcare industry.  WRAL techwire featured a story on the BioSciences Forum, Watson, and supercomputers. To read more about the future of the healthcare industry from the perspective of the professionals check out WRAL’s article.

Richard Kouri, Ph.D. Executive Director, BioSciences Management Initiative
Department of Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Jenkins Graduate School of Management
Poole College of Management, NC State University