Foundations of the Connectivity Shift
Socio-tech impact:
- Technology as a tool for conflict resolution and peace-building
- Creating and sustaining digital communities across borders
- Trust-building mechanisms in multi-spatial environments
- Learning from civic technology for international cooperation
- Case studies of technology-enabled peace initiatives
Geopolitical and Legal Frameworks for the Connected World
Defensive modernisation as the technology driver:
- Human presence eliminating technologies – perceptions and capacities
- New Military doctrines (Geopolitical implications of multi-spatial tech reach)
Incl. Analysis of the usage of AI in the major military confrontation theatres by the top military planer and combat commander (Ukraine, Taiwan, Gulf, Kashmir, Palestine)
- Legal challenges in regulating AI and cross-border data flows
- Sovereignty and security in the era of borderless technologies
- Energy and raw-materials geopolitics in the digital age
- Prospects of the effective governance frameworks for emerging technologies
Guests of Honour, Keynotes:
Main takeaways:
- Investment trends in AI, IoT, and connectivity technologies
- Risk assessment in the post-globalized economy
- Financing models for cross-border technological initiatives
- Regional economic integration through technology corridors
- Long-term economic outlook for Global South and OECD countires
Smart Production in the Connected World
Main Takeaways:
- Core principles and implementation challenges of Industry 4.0
- Industrial data science and AI applications in production and logistics
- Comparative analysis of smart factory initiatives across different regions
- The future of work in automated and connected production environments
- Building resilient supply chains through connectivity technologies
- Airspace and Outer space and the AI Revolution
- Health and Medical diagnostics, Agriculture and AI
Experts of Honour:
Cross-Cultural Dimensions of Digital Transformation
Main Takeaways:
- Cultural influences on AI development and implementation strategies
- Media's role in shaping technological narratives across societies
- Soft power dimensions of technological leadership
- Building effective cross-cultural dialogue in the digital sphere
- Case studies of cultural factors affecting technology transfer and adoption
- AI aiding re/search, professional correspondence, and academic writing
- Entertainment / Infotaiment industry and AI
- Visual arts and performing arts utilising AI
Experts of Honour:
Key Topics:
- The evolution of knowledge cities and urban innovation ecosystems;
- The impact of AI and digital technology on urban planning and governance;
- Strategies for building inclusive, resilient, and smart cities;
- International best practices and lessons from global city networks;
- Urban and intercity traffic optimisation; supply chains logistics and transport
harmonisation;
- The role of education, research, and civic participation in urban transformation.
Expert of Honour:
Main takeaways:
- Digital economic diplomacy strategies for the 21st century
- Tech-fin industry, Investments and Risk assessments
- Digital currencies, digital payments, digital forensics (assets recovery)
- Place branding and territorial competitiveness in the connected economy
- Cross-continental strategic partnerships, constructive engagement with Global South
- Market access challenges and opportunities for digital innovations
- Sports and cultural exchanges as vectors for economic diplomacy
Expert of Honour:
TBC (Digital Forensics, Tech-fin industry)
Every next Tuesday (upon the previous Thursday lectures), the organisers may arrange an extra hour Privatisima for the candidates interested to discuss more thoroughly topic with the speakers (e.g. meeting of 22 May, the Privatisima can be held Tuesday 27th May, etc.).
https://www.silkroad40.com/ifimes-understanding-AI
*Unlikely, but program may be a subject of change.
As of 08 May 25
Upon the Course completion, participants will be titled: Certified Connectivity Specialists – professional with a multidimensional understanding of AI, robotics, and global digital transformation.
However, beyond the certificate, the real transformation lies in the ability to think and act as global system architects who:
Navigate Complexity: Understands how AI, IoT, data governance, and global geopolitics intersect—allowing the participant to make strategic decisions in compartmentalised, uncertain, fast-changing environments, especially those affected by the geopol-tech disruptions;
Bridge Disciplines: Communicate and collaborate across domains—technology, governance, economics, and culture, while enabling You to take on lead roles in cross-sector and cross-border projects;
Understand Otherness: Articulate and exchange across geographies (especially of Global South), cultures, generations, societal groups and any perception that may come with it. (Negotiations are oft won by watching and listening, not by talking);
Shape Policy and Innovation: Translate AI and robotics insights into actionable strategies for innovation, policy, and investment—whether in government, business, or multilateral contexts;
Initiate Global Projects: Identify new opportunities for collaboration across countries, sectors, generations and institutions, and apply tools and networks gained during the course to inspire, initiate or lead strategic projects at the national, subnational, or international level;
Engage in the Global Conversation: Position Yourself as future-ready leader who can effectively engage in high-level discussions, planning and practical actions on the AI ethics, digital sovereignty, economic diplomacy, and urban innovation;
Become a part of powerful alumni network: Joining the inaugural cohort of the likeminded from all geographies, occupancies and generations in the constantly expanding Alumni network, You will interact with others but also shape our further Programs.
Framing for Course Design & Promotion:
“From Specialist to Strategist: This course transforms planners, project-leads and policy-makers into globally connected interdisciplinary sensitive future leaders—ready to shape the multi-spatial future of AI, robotics, and digital governance to the lasting benefit of the mankind.”
