Leading responsible digital transformation across Dorset

Event Date

15 September 2026

Time

11:00 - 17:00

Description

The Smarter AI & Responsible Technology Summit 2026 is an executive summit for business leaders, public sector organisations and strategic partners shaping the future of responsible AI and digital transformation.

As AI and emerging technologies continue to transform the way organisations operate, this summit will explore an increasingly important question: how can organisations harness the opportunities presented by AI and digital transformation while managing the associated risks, responsibilities and wider impacts?

Bringing together national experts, business leaders, academia, the public sector and strategic partners, the summit will offer practical insights into how responsible technology can support productivity, innovation, competitiveness and organisational resilience, while creating positive social, environmental and economic value.

The programme will explore themes including:

Responsible Technology & Ethics – building trust, managing risk and using AI responsibly.

Social Value & Community Impact – using technology decisions to strengthen communities and deliver meaningful social value.

Sustainability & Circular Futures – extending the value of technology, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.

Digital Transformation for Good – using AI and digital innovation to improve productivity and organisational outcomes.

Collaboration for a Stronger Dorset – connecting business, the public sector, academia and communities to create positive change.

The summit will also showcase practical approaches to responsible IT and social value, including the LevelIT model, which creates opportunities for redundant business IT to be refurbished and used to support schools and communities.

What to expect

Attendees will hear from national experts and local leaders, explore real-world case studies and practical approaches to responsible AI and technology, understand emerging policy and skills considerations, and connect with organisations shaping Dorset’s digital future.

There will also be dedicated networking and exhibition opportunities, enabling businesses and organisations working across AI and data, digital services, sustainability, education, innovation, business support and the circular economy to showcase their work and develop new partnerships.

Who should attend?

The summit is particularly relevant to business leaders and decision-makers, technology and digital leaders, public sector organisations, sustainability and social value professionals, academics and researchers, VCSE organisations, technology and innovation providers, and strategic partners.

For further information on this event please contact eejime@bournemouth.ac.uk.

How to get to BU:

Lansdowne campus is located in the city centre and is easily accessed via bus and train links. For more travel information please see this link. There is no parking on site, however if public transport isn't possible for you there are a number of local pay and display car parks at Cotlands Road and Madeira Road.

Bournemouth University’s Online Event Terms and Conditions

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At BU we are committed to ensuring that all our events provide a positive, inclusive, and respectful experience for everyone. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, including sexual harassment or misconduct, by any attendee, vendor, or third party.

We are committed to fostering an environment where every participant feels valued, respected, and safe. Harassment in any form—whether verbal, physical, or visual—will not be tolerated. This includes inappropriate comments, gestures, physical advances, or sharing explicit content that violates someone's dignity or creates an offensive atmosphere.

If you witness or experience any form of harassment during our event, please report it immediately to event organisers. All reports will be handled confidentially, and appropriate action will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees. Reports can also be made anonymously online, although the action that can be taken in these circumstances may be more limited.

By attending this event, you agree to contribute to creating a space that is respectful, inclusive, and positive for everyone.

Description supplied by the event organiser.