What is the definition of inclusive innovation? On September 29, the Augusta Metro Chamber invites you to discover the meaning of inclusive innovation and learn how you can be part of the solution in shaping the future. The September Member Economic Luncheon will feature keynote speaker Debra Lam, Founding Director of Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, a statewide public-private partnership committed to investing in innovative solutions for shared economic prosperity.

The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN) defines inclusive innovation as improving access and opportunities for all Georgians to drive innovation and creating an opportunity for all of us to thrive together as part of the innovation ecosystem. Inclusive innovation includes geographic, racial, gender and socio-economic equity. PIN guides efforts to help foster access, growth, entrepreneurship and innovation throughout the state, with the ultimate goal of achieving inclusive innovation throughout Georgia. The organization aspires to define Georgia’s entrepreneurial identity as a national leader in technology research, development and implementation.

Debra continues to lead smart communities and urban innovation work at Georgia Tech. She founded the Georgia Smart Community Challenge, the first statewide effort in the nation that empowers communities of all sizes to become smarter. Prior to this, she served as Pittsburgh’s inaugural Chief of Innovation & Performance where she oversaw all technology, sustainability, performance, and innovation functions of city government. Before that, she was a management consultant at a global engineering and design firm, Arup. She has received various awards, including being named one of the top 100 most influential people in digital government by Apolitcal. She has worked and lived in the United Kingdom, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. A graduate of Georgetown University and the University of California, Berkeley, Debra serves on the board of the MetroLab Network and Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta.

The Member Economic Luncheon begins at 11:30 am at the Crowne Plaza North Augusta. Tickets are $40 for Chamber members and $50 for prospective members. Purchase a corporate table of 8 seats at a discounted rate. Series sponsors include Augusta Technical College, Doctors Hospital, SouthState Bank, Azalea Investmentsand Augusta Magazine, media sponsors News 12 NBC 26 and The Augusta Chronicle, technology sponsor WOW! Business and parking sponsor Ellefson Transportation Group.

The quarterly Augusta Metro Chamber Member Economic Luncheons promote and stimulate economic growth through timely and insightful programs on a broad range of topics with emphasis on global economic trends, corporate success, and turnaround.