Redlands Forum

Educational and cultural programs for the community to learn and engage with the important topics of our time. Founded in 2009.

Esri Chief Scientist Dr. Dawn Wright wearing a pink blouse, and background designs of orange circles and semi circles.

About the Redlands Forum

Throughout the year, presenters and attendees come to the Esri campus for discussions that bring awareness to issues and offer practical action items. Attend talks from anthropologists, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, filmmakers, journalists, performers, and more.

Learn more about the forum
How to attend

Attend the Redlands Forum in-person. Registration is no cost thanks to Esri and the University of Redlands Town & Gown.
Access past recordings

Explore the list of previous presentations and panels.

Access the recordings

Up next

The Geography of Innovation: How Great Places Build the Future

Chancellor S. Jack Hu, Chancellor of the University of California, Riverside

November 5, 2026, 5:30 – 6:30 PM

Why do some places become global centers of innovation while others struggle to realize their potential?

Drawing on his background as an engineer, Chancellor S. Jack Hu explores the geography of innovation through the lens of systems thinking, using the metaphor of an engine to illustrate how talent, investment, partnerships, community leadership, and anchor institutions work together to drive progress.

Through examples from leading innovation regions, he will examine how communities intentionally build the conditions that transform ideas into opportunity, including the role UC Riverside plays as an anchor institution in advancing innovation and economic opportunity across the Inland Empire.