Member Economic Luncheon, September 2022

The Solution to Innovative Inclusion

What is the definition of inclusive innovation? For PIN, it is 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. The Partnership for Inclusive Innovation is a public-private partnership that 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 Lam is the Founding Director of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, a statewide public-private partnership committed to investing in innovative solutions for shared economic prosperity. She 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.  

September 29 | 11:30am - 1:00pm

Crowne Plaza North Augusta

1060 Center Street

 North Augusta, SC 29841