… The discussion centred on the role of IT in the new economy.  Two themes emerged from this:

• The evolving phenomenon of globalisation, with jobs migrating from western countries to low-cost economies, and the increasing need for IT-based communications to manage the flow of information.  The discussion noted the slow take up of newer technologies (e.g. Google Apps, social networking) by small and large corporate and government organisations, and the mixed experience of early IT and Business Process outsourcing contracts

• The opportunity for the UK to become global leaders in design and innovation to counter the migration of traditional industries, and the advantage of embracing this opportunity rather over the natural tendency to fight globalisation.  The UK is particularly well placed for this, with excellent research capability, a time zone that overlaps the business day of most developed countries, and outstanding international travel links.