What we are working on.
The CD3C aims to develop impactful research, education and outreach activities that foster the development of digital competences and leadership as well as the responsible diffusion and advancement of digital innovations in our community. Stakeholder and community involvement, impactful student outcomes and industry partnerships are a fundamental part of the center.
Intersections Speaker Series
Intersections: Discussions at the nexus of Communication, Commerce and Culture is a speaker series focused on interdisciplinary topics affecting our world.
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This event focused on an exciting discussion on the intersection of design, landscape architecture, and storytelling with Paul Bonifield, Corporate Area Development Creative Designer at Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, as he shares about his work designing for Kings Dominion.
On November 28th, 2023, we explored the fascinating intersection of medicine, biology, and the visual arts. Assistant Professors Jeff Day and Anne Altemus, from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, discussed their work in bringing various medical subjects to life through illustration and animation, after which they held an interactive Q&A session.
This event featured UBalt alumna Ellen Lupton, D.C.D. '08, who discussed her work in the field of design research. After a short presentation, a question-and-answer period was held with attendees. [Video]
UBalt alumna Angela Colter (M.A. Publications Design ’98) discussed her work in leading a government agency focused on design. After a short presentation, a question and answer period was held with attendees.
Portfolio Workshop Series
Session 1: Our webinar series designed to equip you with the essential skills to craft a standout digital portfolio! Whether you already have a portfolio or are just beginning your journey, this series will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you create and elevate your portfolio. Support Materials
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Past Activities
Here are some of the accomplishments and impact of the CD3D to date:
• The development of the Competence Framework for a Digital Future. Based on extensive research and industry forecasts, this framework identified high-demand digital skills and drivers of economic growth and provided strategic direction for new curriculum development at UBalt. Once validated by the group of experts, the framework was used to map the University’s current expertise and programs. The results of the mapping were provided strategic direction for new interdisciplinary curriculum development. This initiative has also impacted the business community and the results have been shared at the Mid-Atlantic CIO forum.
• Establishment of an important partnership between the CD3C and the UBalt Center for Entrepreneurship to provide support and mentorship to our digital entrepreneurs. Also, the development of the digital design and fabrication corner in the student incubator of the UBalt Center for Entrepreneurship.
• Development of industry partnerships with Baltimore-based companies as well as the Mid-Atlantic CIO forum. We have completed more than 12 editions of the real-life case competition with the sponsorship and active participation of local business leaders.
• Development collaborative research and global engagement. We have hosted four fully funded international research fellows who came to UBalt to develop their research projects with our faculty.
• Development of the Global Business Challenge initiative, enabling our students to experience entrepreneurial challenges of Digital Entrepreneurs in Ghana (2017, 2020), France (2018) and Finland (2019).
• Collaboration with the development of local STEM initiatives to inspire young students to pursue careers in science and technology.
• Co-hosted a successful open cyber-security event featuring Gen. Rhett Hernandez (former commander of the U.S. Army Cyber Command). The event enabled the UBalt community to have a deeper understanding on the serious need for cyber-security skills in the region and the important role veterans can play in businesses as well as national security.
• Co-hosted a conference at UBalt focused on Digital Transformation. This event was developed in partnership with the Bithgroup Technologies, a multi-state, certified Minority Business, Enterprise IT solutions company headquartered in Baltimore. The event also received support from the State of Maryland Department of Commerce, ClearBlade, DarkTrace and Morgan State University.
• Obtained two research grants focused on the exploring market trends for digital skills and capabilities.
• Supported the development of an international webinar series in partnership with the Management Education Division of the Academy of Management. Each webinar has attracted in average over 200 scholars from more than 20 countries around the globe.-
Envisioning a Digital Future
Prof. Scornavacca identified four key areas of strategic distinctiveness to drive current and future activities at the university in order to continue playing a fundamental role in social mobility and sustainable socio-economic development in the region:
1) Workforce Development for the Digital Economy – fostering the development of individual skills such as data analytics, digital leadership, digital literacy, tech competences, cyber security, user experience, agile management and digital thinking.
2) Future-proofing Organizations – development of organizational capabilities such as business model innovation, value creation, digital transformation strategy, risk management and organizational resilience, hyper awareness, anticipatory decision-making and digital entrepreneurship.3) Bridging the Digital Divide – fostering initiatives with high social impact in Baltimore and beyond in areas such as education, health, youth development, digital awareness and income generation.
4) Emerging Disruptive Technologies – focusing on understating the potential impact of emerging technologies such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics.
Stakeholder and community involvement, industry partnerships as well as a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding the CD3C are vital elements for developing a clear vision and a long-term sustainable strategy for the center.
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