MADISON, Wis., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wisconsin Biotechnology & Medical Device Association today announced that Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D., an internationally recognized authority on innovation, creativity and economic development, will deliver the opening address at its annual conference on Oct. 12, 2006. The conference is being held at the GE Healthcare Institute in Waukesha, Wis.
Mr. Robinson is the author of “Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative,” a landmark exploration of the strategic importance of creativity and innovation in the workforce and its affect on the development of the new economy. A professor of education emeritus at Warwick University near Birmingham, England, Mr. Robinson now resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to consult to governments, Fortune 500 companies and cultural organizations worldwide.
“Wisconsin’s biotechnology and medical device industry is pleased to add Mr. Robinson’s powerful voice to the discussion we’re leading about the continuing development of the new economy here,” said James L. Leonhart, executive vice president of the Wisconsin Biotechnology & Medical Device Association. “Sir Ken’s groundbreaking approach to innovation, education and economic development, which he delivers with great passion and wit, is a thought-provoking way to begin our annual conference. We also are delighted that Mr. Robinson will be participating in a forum at the conference with Wisconsin students and teachers, who are the seeds of innovation and the future of the state’s competitive strength.”
Mr. Robinson in 1998 was appointed by the British government to chair its National Advisory Committee on Creative and Cultural Education, that country’s most extensive inquiry into the importance of creativity in education and the economy. The committee’s report, “All Our Futures: Creativity, Culture and Education,” had a significant impact on both government and corporate attitudes towards innovation.
Mr. Robinson was the central figure in a strategy for creative and economic development as part of the peace process in Northern Ireland. His blueprint for change, “Unlocking Creativity,” was adopted by ministers from all parties there. He also was one of four international advisors to the government of Singapore for its strategy to become the creative hub of Southeast Asia and has consulted with the government of Hong Kong.
Mr. Robinson was knighted in 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II for his outstanding achievements as a writer, speaker and leader in creativity, the arts and education.
Registration for the conference remains open and can be completed online at http://www.wisbiomed.org or by calling the association’s office at 608 252-9393.
Contacts: James L. Leonhart Executive Vice President, Wisconsin Biotechnology & Medical Device Association 608 252-9393 Rod Hise The Luminis Group, Ltd. for the Wisconsin Biotechnology & Medical Device Association 608 441-2789 direct, 608 770-7850 mobile
Wisconsin Biotechnology & Medical Device Association
CONTACT: James L. Leonhart, Executive Vice President, WisconsinBiotechnology & Medical Device Association, +1-608-252-9393, or Rod Hise ofThe Luminis Group, Ltd., for the Wisconsin Biotechnology & Medical DeviceAssociation, +1-608-441-2789 direct, +1-608-770-7850 mobile
Web site: http://www.wisbiomed.org/
