The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania hosted its 57th Global Forum in San Francisco on June 26, 2025, attracting over 500 alumni, top entrepreneurs, faculty, and business leaders from across the globe. This prestigious event focused on entrepreneurial innovation, global business trends, and the role of technology in shaping the future of business.
Held at the iconic San Francisco Marriott Marquis, the forum featured a series of interactive panel discussions, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration and driving forward-thinking business strategies. Entrepreneurs, investors, and academics came together to share insights on how they are navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Key Themes and Discussions
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Generative AI and its Impact on Entrepreneurship
One of the standout discussions focused on Generative AI—a rapidly evolving technology that is disrupting industries and creating new business models. Kartik Hosanagar, a professor at Wharton and an expert in AI, discussed how entrepreneurs are leveraging AI to innovate in product development, customer service, and supply chain management. He highlighted the importance of ethical AI and the need for entrepreneurs to balance innovation with responsible usage to ensure that AI benefits society without creating harm.
Wharton’s Lori Rosenkopf, who specializes in entrepreneurship and innovation, shared how startups and small businesses are integrating generative AI to improve operational efficiencies and create personalized customer experiences. She emphasized that while AI offers tremendous potential, businesses need to invest in human capital to ensure that their teams understand and can work alongside these tools effectively.
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Macroeconomic Trends and Their Influence on Entrepreneurs
Another crucial session addressed the broader macroeconomic outlook, particularly in the face of potential global economic slowdowns. Joseph Gagnon, Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, shared his analysis of global inflation rates, supply chain disruptions, and shifts in fiscal policy. He stressed that entrepreneurs must be agile and adaptable, especially in navigating shifting economic conditions.
Gagnon pointed out that while inflation is slowing, it still poses challenges for businesses that rely on raw materials and labor. Entrepreneurs were advised to focus on cost optimization, value innovation, and global market expansion to stay competitive during times of economic volatility. He also discussed the growing importance of emerging markets and cross-border partnerships, which are opening up new avenues for entrepreneurial growth.
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Sustainability and the Future of Green Businesses
A growing area of focus at the forum was sustainability and the role of green entrepreneurship in tackling climate change. Sandy J. Johnson, Founder of EcoStrive Innovations, delivered a keynote on how sustainable business models are becoming increasingly attractive to investors. Johnson spoke about the rise of impact investing and green bonds, with companies now focusing not only on profits but also on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
She highlighted case studies of successful eco-conscious startups that have integrated sustainability into their core operations, providing tangible evidence that businesses can thrive while contributing to environmental preservation.
Networking and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Growth
The forum also provided ample opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to network, collaborate, and seek investment opportunities. Informal sessions allowed for business matchmaking, while structured workshops helped early-stage entrepreneurs refine their business plans, pitch to investors, and expand their professional networks.
The event saw the launch of the Wharton Entrepreneurs Network, which aims to provide ongoing support for alumni and current students, connecting them to industry leaders, investors, and mentors who can guide them through the early stages of business development.
The Future of Global Entrepreneurship
With a mix of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and academics from various sectors, the Wharton Global Forum underscored the importance of fostering innovation, embracing technology, and staying ahead of global business trends. As businesses around the world face uncertainty, this forum served as a reminder that entrepreneurs are the driving force behind economic recovery and sustainable growth.
Looking ahead, the Wharton School has pledged to continue supporting entrepreneurial endeavors through its research, educational programs, and global partnerships. With the continued evolution of technology and market trends, the forum set the stage for the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders to shape the future.
