Closing Plenary Arthur M. Harkins "Higher Education in the Innovation Age: Toward Reality Engineering" Presentation Slides

Bio: Dr. Arthur Harkins is an Associate Professor in the College of Education and Human Development (EdPA) and faculty director of the Innovation Studies graduate certificate at the University of Minnesota. Harkins’ Ph.D. is in sociology, with a strong preparation in cultural anthropology. He has considerable experience in consulting and speaking in the public and private sectors. Some of his clients have included DARPA, 3M, Pitney Bowes, Bell Laboratories, General Mills, Cargill, Fairview Hospitals, the U.S. Air Force, the Department of the Interior, Datacard, and the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents. His experience in media includes having been a regular on-air futurist for WCCO, Minnesota Public Television, KSTP-TV, and both Minnesota and National Public Radio. He has published four books and is co-author of another to be released in Fall 2005, The StoryTech Guidebook. He is a glider pilot, sailor, and bicyclist.

Abstract: This presentation explores two technology-supported paths into the futures of knowledge workers. Both paths are intended to help transition higher education toward developing innovative knowledge workers.

The two paths are (1) preparation for the expanded production of highly individualized knowledge workers; and (2) expansions of highly receptive knowledge worker employment contexts through Reality Engineering.

This presentation will argue that Reality Engineering must become the very center of redesigned education - at all levels. The emphasis of the talk will be upon higher education as the first-line context for this change, in support of individualized knowledge worker learning and the creation and support of innovative knowledge workers.