Adam Smith

In today’s interconnected yet fragmented world, global geopolitical dynamics, institutional structures, and emerging technologies are reshaping how markets function, how wealth is created, and who benefits. At the same time, local communities and entrepreneurial ecosystems are being called upon to respond - developing innovative, inclusive approaches to economic growth in the face of these macro-level forces.

This event brings these perspectives together in a deliberate macro-to-micro conversation because the future of economic growth depends on how effectively we connect global systems of power and policy with local innovation and opportunity. The first panel examines how global leadership, governance, and markets shape the conditions under which economies operate. The second panel translates insights into action, exploring how local ecosystems can leverage new funding models and partnerships to drive sustainable and inclusive economic development.

Celebrating 250 Years of The Wealth of Nations

In collaboration with the Adam Smith Business School and the University of Glasgow, we explore how the foundational writings of Adam Smith, and how his views on national wealth and value creation, continue to shape the modern economy. By linking global leadership and market systems with local innovation and funding, this event advances a more integrated and forward-looking view of economic development in an interconnected global economy.

Programme

Panel 1: Global Leadership, Markets, and the Public Good (1:30-2:45pm)

Moderator: Melissa Akaka

Panelists:

Naomi Boyd, Dean, Daniels College of Business, University of Denver
Frederick “Fritz” Mayer, Dean, Korbel School, University of Denver
Graeme Roy, Dean of External Engagement and incoming Head of the College of Social Sciences/Vice Principal, University of Glasgow
Bruce Smith, Dean, Sturm College of Law, University of Denver

This panel explores how global leadership, institutional design, and geopolitical dynamics influence markets, wealth creation, and societal outcomes. Highlighting Don Mayer’s work on governance and the limits of concentrated power, panelists will examine how the “rules of the game” are set at the global level - and how these rules shape economic opportunity, risk, and long-term sustainability.

Panel 2: Local Economies, Innovation, and New Models of Funding (3:00-4:00pm)

Moderator: John Sebesta

Panelists:

Andrew Luter, Founder & Managing Partner, Rio Chato Investments
Liz Myslik, Managing Partner, Loft Growth Parners
Kevin Allen, Co Founder, Access Mode
Nathaan Demers, Principal Investor & Clinical Psychologist, HOPELAB

Building directly on Panel 1, this discussion shifts to how local ecosystems respond to global complexity. Global systems determine who has access to capital, how value is defined, and how risk is distributed - creating both constraints and opportunities that cascade down to local economies.

Panelists will explore how innovative funding mechanisms, cross-sector partnerships, and entrepreneurial support systems can expand access to capital and foster more inclusive, sustainable economic growth. Local ecosystems are adaptive engines of innovation, capable of redesigning how capital flows and how value is created within the constraints set by global systems.