Shaping the Debate: Centering Human Intelligence in a Time of Transformation

Earlier this fall, the University of New Brunswick (UNB) hosted Shaping the Debate: The Knowledge Industry Shift — a two-day event exploring how education, innovation, and collaboration are reshaping New Brunswick’s role in the global knowledge economy.

Held in partnership with the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together leaders from academia, industry, and government to discuss how human intelligence and creativity remain at the heart of innovation, even as artificial intelligence and automation transform the world of work.

🎥 Watch the full panel discussions: UNB Shaping the Debate Series

Exploring the Knowledge Industry

At its core, the knowledge industry is driven by people - by education, research, and ideas that build capacity and drive growth. The discussions highlighted how sectors like digital transformation, healthcare, and public policy can evolve through collaboration and talent development.

Through three in-depth panel discussions, participants explored key questions shaping New Brunswick’s future:

• The New Brunswick Advantage: Harnessing a Knowledge Industry powered by Digital for Transformative Change.
• Towards an Intelligence Economy: The Knowledge Industry and the Future of Work.
• The Human Advantage: Preparing Minds for a Machine-Shaped World.

Each session underscored the need to equip students, entrepreneurs, and communities with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing economy while ensuring that innovation remains human-centered.

Local Leadership and Collaboration

The panels featured a diverse lineup of speakers from across the province — including Dr. Herb Emery (UNB), Candice Pollack (ResearchNB), Adam Peabody (Downtown Fredericton Inc.), and Shane Murphy (Thales) — alongside educators, researchers, and policy leaders advancing digital transformation in New Brunswick.

Moderators Nicole Bendrich (Beauceron Security), Hannah Classen (UNB), and Cathy Simpson (TechImpact) led insightful discussions that connected local expertise to national and global challenges.

Key Takeaway

As technology continues to accelerate change, Shaping the Debate reinforced a critical truth: the success of the knowledge economy depends not only on innovation but on human insight, collaboration, and adaptability. By centering human intelligence, New Brunswick is shaping a future that’s both digitally advanced and deeply connected to people.