Socialising Remote Work: Will changing patterns in knowledge work reduce or amplify the human need to meet in cities?
Date and Time: January 19, 2021 | 01:00 PM in London (GMT)
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Description:
Cities have traditionally been the sites of economic agglomeration, reaping the benefits of a high concentration of economic activity, spurred by collaboration and innovation. However, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns have forced offices to close, city centres to empty, with many knowledge workers operating from the safety of their homes.
While some trends indicate a return to office-based work patterns (which will be accelerated by access to a vaccine), some commentators welcome the greater personal flexibility and access to the global talent pool afforded by virtual technologies. The debate interrogates the impacts of the dramatic shift in working conditions, how sites of knowledge work have adapted, and how cities can maintain their economic and cultural vibrancy without negatively impacting on productivity, connectivity and personal freedom.
Speakers:
- Richard Florida | urbanist, author and journalist; Professor of Economic Analysis and Policy, University of Toronto
- Ayesha Khanna | strategic adviser on artificial intelligence, CEO of AI solutions firm and incubator ADDO AI, Singapore
- Janina Kugel | independent strategic advisor, member of the Managing Board, Siemens AG (2015-2024)
Chair: Camilla Cavendish | Author and Contributing Editor, Financial Times
Hosted by LSE Cities, the Alfred Herrhausen Gesellschaft and the LSE School of Public Policy