CONCEPT PAPER:
INNOVATION IGNITED
ACHALLENGE As our world hurtles toward an era of unprecedented technological advancements, the role of higher education institutions in preparing students for the challenges posed by AI and automation has never been more critical. Automation and AI must be co-designed using a bottom-up approach to ensure economic security, ethical decision-making, and continued opportunities for workers (Armstrong & Shah, 2023). As global issues increasingly impact local communities, there is also an urgent need for a revolutionary learning model that connects these communities with national and international experts in diverse fields to develop innovative solutions using a human-centered approach.
PREPARINGFUTURELEADERS Automation and AI are transforming industries and reshaping the future of work, potentially bringing about unprecedented economic growth and prosperity. However, this technological revolution also presents significant challenges, particularly in ensuring workers have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a changing economy. The need for future leaders who understand the implications of AI and automation has never been greater. These leaders will be at the forefront of shaping the future of work, ensuring that workers are protected and that the benefits of automation are widely shared. This pilot program forges a groundbreaking partnership between MIT, the world leader in cutting-edge technology, and Nebraska?s most prestigious STEM scholarship program. The mission is clear: to develop innovative and ethical solutions that will positively impact our local, regional, and global community.
MITWORKOFTHEFUTUREINITIATIVE MIT?s Work of the Future Initiative envisions an economy where dramatic advances in automation and computation go hand in hand with improved opportunities and economic security for workers. The Automation Clinic is an applied research and education program to understand how organizations make new technologies work in practice. MIT researchers partner with organizations to learn the problems they aim to solve with new technologies, the challenges they face in deploying them, and the consequences for their workers, customers, and society.
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SCOTTSCHOLARS UNIVERSITYOFNEBRASKAATOMAHA The Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program (Scott Scholars) was established in 1997 by the Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation to challenge high-achieving STEM students to develop their technical, creative, and leadership skills. The ultimate goal for students receiving the prestigious Scott Scholarship is to assume leadership roles in their professions and ignite positive change in their communities. Each year the program selects 40 exceptional Nebraska high school students to join the prestigious ranks of Scott Scholars. These students embark on a transformative, whole-person learning journey beyond academic excellence. The program?s multifaceted curriculum includes training in leadership development, design thinking, stress management and resiliency training, career development, community engagement, and entrepreneurship. The Scott Scholars program is an unparalleled opportunity for the next generation of leaders to unleash their potential and positively impact their communities and the world.
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THECONCEPT Innovation Ignited: A partnership between MIT's Work of the Future Initiative and the UNO Scott Scholars Program for Advancing Automation and AI in Nebraska.
INNOVATIONIGNITED Innovation Ignited is a revolutionary educational model that enables local communities to tackle complex challenges by partnering university students with global experts in AI and automation. This innovative model begins with remote pre-work training and education, providing students with a solid foundation in automation and AI. Next, students participate in a three-day on-site visit to MIT to tour state-of-the-art automation and robotics laboratories. During the visit, they will interact with leading experts in the field and gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
Through this comprehensive curriculum, students gain a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding automation and AI and the technical skills needed to design and implement effective solutions. The program culminates in the practical application of acquired skills to solve a real-world automation challenge faced by a Nebraska-based firm. Students work closely with this client throughout the semester, applying newfound knowledge and skills to develop innovative solutions that drive increased efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Students will present their findings and solutions to stakeholders, including the firm, G3 Board, Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation, MIT, and UNO.
Following the on-site visit, students engage in ongoing educational modules by world-renowned experts. These modules will cover a range of topics, including advanced automation techniques, outcomes of automation, implications of design, implementation, ROI decisions for workers and firms, and the ethical use of AI and automation.
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PILOTPROGRAMOUTCOMES Innovation Ignited program outcomes demonstrate the audacious yet tangible benefits to those participating. By daring to dream big, we can create a transformational model for the future of higher education.
MITWILL:
SCOTTSCHOLARSWILL:
PARTNERINGFIRMWILL:
Empower students with the knowledge and expertise of MIT?s Work of the Future Initiative to create meaningful change in Nebraska and beyond.
Acquire industry-leading skills in AI and automation and will be able to apply knowledge to solve complex problems in local communities.
Receive innovative solutions to automation and AI challenges faced by their organizations.
Disseminate knowledge and scale the impact of MIT?s Work of the Future Initiative.
Develop and implement innovative solutions that leverage AI, automation, and design thinking to improve processes and outcomes across various industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and more.
Democratize access to high-quality education and inspire a new generation of leaders who will drive progress toward a better future for all humans.
Gain a deep understanding of the ethical implications of AI and automation and be equipped to navigate the complex ethical challenges that may arise in applying these technologies.
Benefit from the fresh perspectives and cutting-edge insights that students and their nationally recognized mentors deliver. Gain a deep understanding of the potential applications of AI and automation in their industry and will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement customized solutions that meet their specific needs.
Emerge as leaders prepared to tackle future challenges and positively impact their communities using human-centered design thinking. Actively engage as members of the Automation Clinic community, fostering connections with a diverse network of researchers specializing in automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing PI LO T PRO G RA M O U TC O M ES | 7
Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship Program Scott Residence Hall
6510 Pine St, Omaha, NE68106
unomaha.edu/scott-scholars/
402.554.2091
unoscottscholars@unomaha.edu
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/ or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation being taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. MCTEMP2023