Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison once worked in the same lab, in downtown Boston?

Boston Globe columnist and blogger Scott Kirsner will offer an illustrated overview of the past, present, and future of innovation in New England, in industries like life sciences, software, hardware, and cleantech.

He'll also lay out some challenges for entrepreneurs, executives, and investors working in those industries -- ways we can ensure that the region remains competitive in the "World is Flat" century.

Kirsner is the author of the book "The Future of Web Video," editor of "The Convergence Guide: Life Sciences in New England," and a contributor to "The Good City: Writers Explore 21st Century Boston." Kirsner was part of the founding team of Boston.com in 1995, and he is a graduate of Boston University’s College of Communication.

To learn more, Kirsner's blog is www.innoeco.com, and his column is at www.boston.com/kirsner.

We hope you can join us for our first event of 2008!