Global Business and Technology Trends

This course explores the global business challenges caused by worldwide advancements in digital technology across multinational corporations, industries, and governments. The course comprises two tracks: global business trends and strategies, and digital technologies. The first part of the course focuses on business and technology strategies in selected regions and industries, including global business and go-to-market strategies. Case studies for this track include technology and business in China, innovation and start-ups in India, central banking and digital currencies, the internet-of-things (IoT) and industrial reforms in Europe, and platform business models and e-commerce in Asia. The second part addresses technology strategies in global corporations and digital technologies as business-solution enablers. Topics include robotic automation, machine learning, generative artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and metaverse, industrial IoT, and platform-based digital ecosystems. For each topic, there is a lecture offering a basic technology overview followed by a case describing this technology's implementation at a business organization. The dual nature of the course, coupled with its emphasis on interaction and inclusivity, makes it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Enrolling in this course is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a global perspective and a deeper understanding of the latest technologies, regardless of their level of information technology expertise. Harvard Extension School students may only take one of the following for degree or certificate credit: ECON S-1561, ISMT E-195 (offered previously), or MGMT E-5406.