Alec Ross

Alec Ross is an author, futurist, and advisor with expertise in innovation, technology policy, and the future of work. He has served as a senior advisor for innovation to the U.S. Secretary of State, shaping strategies at the intersection of technology and global affairs. Ross is known for his books that analyze the impact of emerging technologies on economies and societies, contributing to discussions on digital transformation and economic competitiveness.

Ross is one of the world’s leading experts on innovation. Author of New York Times–bestselling "The Industries of the Future," he is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at The University of Bologna Business School and a Board Partner at Amplo, a global venture capital firm. He was a Distinguished Senior Fellow at Johns Hopkins University and a Senior Fellow at the Columbia University School of International & Public Affairs. During the Obama Administration, he served as Senior Advisor for Innovation to the Secretary of State, to help modernize the practice of diplomacy and advance America’s foreign policy interests. He also served as the Convener for the Technology & Media Policy Committee on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and on the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team.

Ross frequently delivers keynote addresses at international conferences, covering topics such as artificial intelligence, futurism, and the evolving landscape of global business. His public appearances include engagements at forums and media outlets, where he translates technological trends into insights for a range of audiences. Ross is featured in prominent publications and broadcasts as a commentator on the societal implications of innovation.

Throughout his career, Ross has received recognition for his contributions to public policy and technology. He has discussed the challenges of navigating technological change and the importance of ethical leadership in the digital age. Ross’s experience in public engagement and technology strategy informs his work as a speaker and advisor, encouraging audiences to consider both the opportunities and societal impacts of innovation.