Agenda

Dr. Suddha Chakravartti joined as the Director of CUTS International Geneva in May 2023, bringing over 15 years of experience in international affairs, public policy, sustainability issues and the intersection between business and society.  His extensive track record includes research, teaching, academic management, mentoring and consulting among others.  Prior to joining CUTS International, Suddha was the Head of Research at the EU Business School group.  He has an undergraduate degree in law from NALSAR University, India, and a master and doctorate in International Relations from the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations.  

Stefano is the President and principal policy analyst at I-Com, a leading Italian think tank on digital, energy and healthcare issues, which he co-founded in 2005, based in Rome and Brussels.  He also teaches Economics at Roma Tre University.  Between 2018 and 2020 he was a member of the Italian Government High-level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence.  He has published many essays and articles on digital issues, including the volumes "Artificial intelligence: the last call" and "The economics of ChatGPT between false fears and real risks," both published in Italian by Bocconi University Press and EGEA, respectively.  Stefano has also undertaken study and consultancy assignments for Italian and international public institutions, leading companies and non-profit organizations.   

Brendan is the Vice President of Policy and Government Relations for Boston Dynamics, the world's leading developer of agile robots that autonomously navigate uneven terrain, stairs, and even doorways using legs and arms.  In this role, he collaborates with policymakers and stakeholders on a wide range of policy and ethics issues relating to the integration of beneficial robots into society.  Previously, Brendan was in charge of global public policy for DJI, the world's leading manufacturer of commercial drones.  A technology advocate, thought-leader, and champion of pragmatic solutions to the concerns that are raised by emerging technologies, Brendan has served on U.S. federal and state policy advisory committees, testified in the U.K. House of Commons and the U.S. Congress, speaks frequently and is often quoted in the media on technology law and policy.  

Karen has a background in finance with specific experience in capital markets and venture capital.  She bridges the private, public and academic sectors, working on entrepreneurial finance, sustainable finance, ESG, impact investment and impact measurement.  She worked with the OECD for over a decade as well as with foundations and other organizations focused on entrepreneurship, innovation and finance.  She serves on a number of boards including the Pictet Group Impact and Sustainability Advisory Board and teaches at leading buiness schools and universities in Europe, including the London Business School where she is an Affiliated Faculty member.  She received, with honors, a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and Management from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.