New Center for the Future of Work will help advance business practices

Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business has launched its new Center for the Future of Work. 

The center’s mission is to collaborate with individuals, businesses and local communities to establish networks which benefit from technological innovations. 

“The center is a natural evolution of our long history of partnering with businesses to solve problems and foster innovation,” Dean of Spears School of Business Dr. Ken Eastman announced in a press release on Tuesday. 

“We believe the center will help foster economic growth and opportunities in the state and region.” 

A primary function of the center is providing readily available expertise on key business and industry problems, with three areas of strategic focus: professional development and executive education, business consulting services and applied research for innovation and social impact. 

With these areas of focus, the center aims to educate the community through conferences, consulting and custom solutions. The center also aims to advance knowledge on emerging technologies to help redefine business practices and more. 

Dr. Rebecca Eastham will lead the center as director, bringing a background in workforce and economic development to the role. The center will not only address challenges faced by individuals, but aims to further understanding of the future of work and how the nature of work may be leveraged to improve the overall community. 

“I believe the center will be the preeminent entity in Oklahoma and the region to provide research, data analysis, training and consulting for businesses, nonprofits and government entities,” Eastham said. 

“The center will be known as a key contributor in advancing local and regional economies and making measurable positive societal change.” 

You can find more information on the Center for the Future of Work at business.okstate.edu/cfw.