Diving Into Uncharted Waters

Exponential growth and advancement in the field of Information Technology, especially in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), cryptography that has enabled cryptocurrencies and blockchain, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT), has created massive uncertainty. While this rapid technological change creates a myriad of opportunities for businesses to catalyze growth and increase their competitive edge, it has led to an age of uncertainty that is far more turbulent than the uncertainty documented by Harvard Economist J.K. Galbraith in the 1970s. Businesses and academia alike are in pursuit of intelligence to navigate the uncharted waters exposed by emerging technologies. Therefore, it is incumbent upon researchers to dive deep into this new territory to characterize the uncertainty as well as provide actionable insights to navigate this new terrain and uncover amazing new possibilities.

Similar to the uncertainties and opportunities created by the emerging technologies, the Panama Canal, constructed in the Republic of Panama in the early 1900s, led to significant challenges and opportunities. The use and value of the route created by the Panama Canal have changed with time and helped shape the fate of many countries. A recent $5 billion expansion of the Canal is again taking the global logistics into unchartered waters, which in turn is likely to affect the international economy and have political, social, and cultural consequences. Turning to history to understand how to move ahead in the future, makes Panama City an ideal venue to discuss and deliberate how to navigate a route through these very promising yet uncertain times. Further, given that Banking and Finance is a dominant sector of the host country’s economy, we will have a special focus on issues, risks, challenges, and opportunities related to the technology revolution in the finance sector.

At AMCIS 2023, we will take a deep dive into the role of technology in the uncertain times and discover new possibilities for businesses and society. We aim to provide actionable insights that can guide professionals in navigating this evolving landcscape. This conference will provide a platform to bring together business professionals and academic researchers who are engaged in using technology to solve business and societal challenges.