The world is facing unprecedented challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, further complicating complex global innovation trends and demanding unparalleled response from governments and organizations alike. As China and other affected Asian nations have been fighting the pandemic, forward-looking collaborations in technology development and innovation are more important than ever. This key element of collaboration in addressing global innovation is a hallmark of MIT’s problem-solving approach, especially amidst our current global challenges.
In the coming months, the MIT Industrial Liaison Program (ILP) is pleased to present a special webinar series featuring leading researchers and field experts to share insights in energy, nanomaterials, novel photonics, robotics, city planning, healthcare, and more.
We invite you to join the 2020 MIT ILP Regional Webinar Series to engage and explore topics with our experts, including opportunities to interact with academics and global ILP member executives, to drive national and international economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship in each covered field.
Alexander Slocum is the Walter and Hazel May Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MIT and a member of the US National Academy of Engineering. He has 130+ patents and has helped develop 12 products that have received R&D 100 awards for “one of the one hundred best new technical products of the year”. He has helped start several successful precision manufacturing equipment companies and has a passion for working with industry to solve real problems and identify fundamental research topics. For the past decade his prime focus has been on renewable energy systems.
Increased energy demand will accompany the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, but if this recovery is met by hydrocarbons, the subsequent acceleration of climate change and accompanying domestic, international, and migration conflicts will dwarf the damage caused by COVID-19. This paper presents a means by which development of renewable energy systems can meet energy and employment needs and be financed through investments by hydrocarbon companies in lieu of carbon taxes and long-term visionary governments. The oceans figure prominently in sustainably emerging and setting a course to a bright future for all. Specific technology examples are provided with suggestions for short- and long-term development projects and strategies.