The Future Of Local
I am very excited to have the chance to attend TEDActive 2013 next week. TEDActive is the live simulcast in Palm Springs of the TED2013 event in Long Beach. TED2013 features the largest number of speakers ever for a TED event, and many of the 70 speakers were found during a global talent search.
I was also selected to participate in one of the TEDActive Project Teams. The issue my team is tackling is the future of local. Below is the description of our project from the TEDActive website:
How do you express local? One of the ironies of globalization is that even as the world appears to get smaller, it also grows more complex. Through firsthand travel experience, innovations in media and technology, and expanding commerce, globalization has opened up the rich range of local cultures to the widest possible audience. But how will these two different perspectives ultimately interact in the future? How does what’s local fuel our broader worldview? And how can we ensure that the vital diversity of people, places, and ideas is preserved? In this project, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will examine the unique and complex interdependencies amongst global brands, countries, villages, communities and individuals.
I am fascinated by this issue. Cultures have always become more homogenous over time, but I think the new mobile and social sharing platforms that have exploded on the scene in the last five years are accelerating that change. While the erosion of local culture has its drawbacks, I do think that increased homogeneity will have great benefits, include potentially less conflict and more inclusivity. It’s a complex issue.
What do you think? How do you see the future of local? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Related Posts:
Cultural Difference in Management
Diversity: Is The Workplace A Level Playing Field?
About the Author: Bret L. Simmons
Welcome to my blog! Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section of my posts. I publish all constructive, non-anonymous comments. 
What a wonderful opportunity, Bret. TedX is such a wonderful platform to promote thinking and learning. And this is such an important question. There are a wide range of views on the issue of preserving the unique aspects on our planet – from biodiversity, to cultural diversity to diversity of thought and action. There are no simple answers, and I’m looking forward to learning from you as you share your experiences.
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Bret L. Simmons Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 12:05 pm
I am really looking forward to it, Jesse. Thanks! Bret
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