Environmental challenges can be scary for business. But with challenge comes opportunity for those willing to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability, says economic development expert Brock Dickinson.

The Adjunct Professor and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Waterloo will be leading a live online presentation Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m. as part of the free Business Breathers webinar series facilitated by Goodman Group, the Goodman School of Business’ community-focused learning and development services provider.

In his upcoming presentation, ‘Green futures: How innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability will drive the next economy,’ Dickinson (MA ’07) will discuss the role of innovation in business growth, entrepreneurship as a driver of job creation, how environmental challenges have become a business opportunity, and how green entrepreneurs are reshaping the economy and changing what comes next.

“The green economy will be somewhat like the knowledge economy: We can fight it if we want, or deny its existence, but it’s going to change the landscape around us,” says Dickinson. “Behind the bickering over ideas like carbon taxes or the Green New Deal, there are some compelling signs about where we go next — and decision makers armed with the right information will be better positioned to lead their companies through these changes and support the next generation of entrepreneurs and job creators.”

In his role as Adjunct Professor and Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Dickinson works with students and faculty to help launch new entrepreneurial ventures, commercialize emerging research, and support the development of new incubation and business acceleration projects. He was previously the Chief Executive Officer of MDB Insight, Canada’s largest specialist economic development consultancy, and serviced in a variety of local economic development roles across North America. He also spent six years as a consultant to the United Nations co-ordinating environmental projects in more than 30 countries. He has a Master of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in international relations from Brock.

Business Breathers feature 30 minutes of industry and faculty expert-led discussions, followed by a 15-minute question and answer period. Topics focus on leadership, management and innovation, as well as the financial and social impacts of trending topics.

Everyone is welcome to attend Business Breathers webinars. Interested participants are asked to register online. A confirmation email will provide a Lifesize link to access the webinar. 

Upcoming Business Breathers:

Green futures: How innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability will drive the next economy
Presented by Brock Dickinson, Adjunct Professor and Entrepreneur-in-Residence, University of Waterloo
Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m.

Boost your career with community work and volunteering
Presented by Julia Deans, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Canada
Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m.