Breaking Down Barriers: Industry Leaders Explore AI-Driven Convergence
Left to right: Ali Tafti, Head, Department of Information and Decision Sciences; UIC MS student in Supply Chain and Operations Management, Nimra Patoli, address attendees at the Industry Convergence Forum at 1871 headquarters on April 22, 2025.
Introduction
The Industry Convergence Forum: Chicago Business & Digital Transformation, hosted by 1871’s Supply Chain Innovation Lab and UIC Business brought together executives, managers, and academic experts from across Chicago to explore how emerging technologies are blurring industry lines and creating shared challenges.
Discussions focused on closing workforce skill gaps, future-proofing talent, and leveraging AI, IoT, and automation in operations and supply chain management. A key takeaway: digital transformation means reimagining—not just digitizing—how we work.
Modified on June 30, 2025