Is Jersey ready for the future?

Thursday 16 June 2016

Whether Jersey’s public and private sectors are adequately prepared to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex future is set to be assessed at this year’s Jersey Institute of Directors Annual Debate.

Entitled ‘Future Proofing Jersey’ the event, sponsored by law firm Carey Olsen, will take place on Thursday 15th September at the RJA&HS.

Starting at 5.45 pm with a drinks reception sponsored by Ashburton Investments, the event will explore whether Jersey has the right leadership, brand, systems and expertise required to steer a safe course and ensure a successful future for local businesses and residents.

Looking at the public and private sectors separately, expert speakers will set the scene and suggest how mega trends are likely to shape the environment in which Jersey exists, examining Jersey’s commitment to innovation, internal and external threats, the island’s access to and use of resources, competition from other jurisdictions and the impact of international security.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to question the panel of visiting and local expert panellists, under the guidance of moderator and renowned news broadcaster Alastair Stewart OBE.

Commenting on the topic for this year’s Debate, IoD Jersey Chairman Chris Clark, said: "This is an ambitious theme for our debate this year, in which we will aim to get under the skin of the public and private sectors to understand where our strengths are and where we need to improve if we are to ensure our long-term success. I expect it to be another lively debate that will clarify the immediate and projected concerns of the local public and private sectors and their role in Jersey’s future.”

Alex Ohlsson, Managing Partner of sponsor Carey Olsen, added: “Technological change and globalisation provide some exciting opportunities for us in Jersey, but they will also undoubtedly provide some significant challenges. It’s important that we understand how we can plan for the future against this backdrop and position ourselves strongly in the face of any unexpected threats too. With that in mind, this year’s debate will provide a unique opportunity to take a hard look at the public and private sectors and understand how they can work together to carve a strong future for the Island.”