Accelerating learning and economic development for the Berkshires

New technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics are having a major impact on the nature of work, labor markets, education and training, economic development and more. We are committed to advancing regional understanding of the nature and potential of current and emergent technologies, and how best to take advantage of them while enhancing equity in the Berkshires.

The Tech Impact Collaborative, an Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) initiative in cooperation with 1Berkshire and the Berkshire Innovation Center, provides an interactive platform with extensive content to help leverage technology with the following aims:

Networking:

Encourage the exchange of innovative ideas and networking among regional stakeholders
Skills:

Increase the technological skills and applications for industry and business, educational institutions, non-profits and government
Investment:

Support and attract new investment that accelerates economic growth, job creation and workforce development in the Berkshires
Visibility:

Elevate the visibility and brand of our region to support community advancement

Upcoming Events

INNOVATION IN THE BERKSHIRES

Stay Tuned for More Information on this Lecture Series to be held Fall 2022.

Anticipated to be held in-person at the Berkshire Innovation Center

and live-streamed.

Past Events

Content Library

Fall 2020 Course: Introduction to the Impact of Transformative Technologies on Work and Society

Learn More

Partnerships

The Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) and 1Berkshire are core collaborative partners with OLLI at BCC for the Tech Impact Forum. The Forum also partners with Williams College, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, and Bard College at Simon’s Rock. The Tech Impact Forum initiative is organized by an ad hoc committee of OLLI members, and 1Berkshire and BIC staff.

Exploration of these topics is core to the BIC’s mission and our collective ability to understand, adapt, and be leaders in the implementation of these new technologies presents an enormous opportunity for our region’s recovery and growth
Executive Director of the BIC, Ben Sosne

Being on the forefront of the next generation of technology will be integral to our regional economy. It’s programs like this that raise the bar, create engagement, and inspire innovation at the regional level, which we need in order to catalyze momentum towards embracing advanced manufacturing and technology as a continued economic driver in the Berkshires
1Berkshire Director of Economic Development, Ben Lamb

This Tech Impact Forum is a groundbreaking initiative and a creative collaboration that we hope will inspire greater economic and community success in the Berkshires through effective and thoughtful use of new technologies
Executive Director of OLLI Megan Whilden