University leaders joined business and civic leaders from across Niagara Wednesday to discuss the role all members of the community can play in shaping the region’s future at this year’s Niagara Economic Summit.

Emceed by Goodman School of Business Dean Barry Wright, the Summit featured opening remarks from President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg, who spoke about Brock’s critical role in the community.

“Brock isn’t just in this community – it’s of this community,” said Rigg. “And after students choose Brock, they become our work force, supporting us as we navigate an ever-changing world.”

Rigg also highlighted the University’s recent opening of the Brock-Niagara Validation, Prototyping and Manufacturing Institute, and its expansion of academic programming in areas such as nursing and education to support local labour market needs.

Anteneh Ayanso, Director of the Centre for Business Analytics at the Goodman School of Business, was part of an expert panel which discussed the ways in which artificial intelligence is offering new solutions and opportunities in diverse fields.

The theme of this year’s summit was “Shaping a Better Future.” Other panel topics included environmental and climate change, and population growth.