UC Systemwide Procurement facilitated a connection between UC Provost Katherine Newman and the organizers of Human+Tech Week, leading to a featured fireside chat that highlighted the University of California's (UC) leadership at the intersection of higher education, technology, and public service.
Universities have critical responsibility to guide AI development
During the conversation, Newman explored the opportunities and challenges emerging from the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies. She emphasized that while AI will reshape nearly every sector of society, universities have a critical responsibility to help guide its development in ways that advance the public good, expand opportunity, and strengthen human potential. As Newman noted in recent discussions on AI, "the future of AI has not really been written yet," and institutions like UC have an important role in determining how these technologies are developed and applied.
Higher ed must prepare students for changing workforce demands
The discussion also addressed the evolving role of higher education in preparing students for a workforce increasingly influenced by automation and emerging technologies. Newman highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and adaptability—skills that remain uniquely human and will be essential in an AI-enabled future.
Strong partnerships needed to align technology with societal values
Another key theme was the need for strong partnerships among universities, industry, government, and community organizations. Newman discussed how collaboration can accelerate innovation while ensuring that technological progress remains aligned with societal needs and values. She also championed learning models with experiential and practical applications to prepare students for careers in a constantly changing world.
Sparking new pathways
Beyond the event itself, the introduction has sparked conversations around potential course development opportunities, student learning collaborations and lifelong learning models. The event showcased not only UC's thought leadership in emerging technologies, but also the University's commitment to ensuring that innovation serves people, strengthens communities, and expands access to educational opportunity.
This outcome illustrates how UC Systemwide Procurement delivers value beyond traditional sourcing and contracting by helping build strategic relationships that create new opportunities for students, faculty, and the university community.