Sir Tim Berners-Lee

EXCLUSIVE
  • Inventor of the World Wide Web
  • Winner of the ACM Turing Prize - the Nobel Prize of computing
  • CTO of Inrupt - building a new paradigm for the Web
  • President and Founder, Open Data Institute

Named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Important People of the 20th Century,” one of the UK’s "100 Greatest Britons,” and one of the world's "Most Influential Thinkers,” Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the most powerful communication medium in the world — the World Wide Web — and gave it to the world for free. It is no exaggeration to say that Sir Tim’s visionary work has transformed every aspect of our lives. Today, its importance is greater than ever as we witness the AI revolution, a technology that relies on the web for data. Data is the foundation upon which AI is built, determining its performance, accuracy, and fairness. Without the Web and data, AI cannot exist, let alone thrive.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee, as inventor of the web, has long advocated for individuals to own and control their data. This principle is particularly relevant to corporations and governments in the context of AI that is shifting boundaries.  In order to have a competitive edge, corporations will recognise this shifting dynamic of data ownership and take steps to align their practices with this new reality. Sir Tim’s genius is in understanding this next, new future and his ability to educate corporations on this paradigm shift. His thoughtful consideration about the web and AI demonstrate how continued, and considered innovation can benefit society in an ethical and equitable manner.

 


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Past Hosts Include:
  • Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
  • Accenture, LLP
  • Ernst & Young
  • Conde Nast
  • Mastercard International
  • NBC Universal International Limited
  • Amadeus
  • Deloitte
  • Bosch
  • Gartner
Rave Reviews About Sir Tim Berners-Lee
Sir Tim was incredible and really well received both during the CIO roundtable and the keynote ... he totally wowed the crowd. Our keynote theatre was far too small and we ended up streaming his session live to the 21 other theatres on the show floor ... my estimate is 1,500 attendees. Frankly, he’s the perfect keynoter for a show like IP EXPO and his participation gave us a huge amount of coverage. My only challenge following the keynote is the volume of internal and external questions saying how the heck was I going to follow up from that!

In Conversation - The Impact of Web 3.0 with Sir Tim Berners-Lee & John Bruce | WIRED Smarter [24:03] - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Sir Tim Berners-Lee
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Artificial Intelligence, Data Privacy, and Technology through Change

SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE is a tech visionary who invented the web in 1989. He continues to play a critical role in its evolution as a global thought leader. While governments, corporates and individuals rightly consider the implication of AI on our world, Data and the Web are in fact the backbone of AI a ...

SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE is a tech visionary who invented the web in 1989. He continues to play a critical role in its evolution as a global thought leader. While governments, corporates and individuals rightly consider the implication of AI on our world, Data and the Web are in fact the backbone of AI and are instrumental components in its future trajectory. Sir Tim can unlock this thinking.

In the context of AI, Sir Tim’s insights are more critical than ever in guiding us through this paradigm shift. He is uniquely positioned to educate on this transition, advocating for data ownership to ensure that the web and AI continue to drive innovation and benefit society in an ethical and equitable manner.

Leading the Next Generation

Tech pioneer and inventor of the World Wide Web SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE looks ahead into the future of humane technology. From AI assistants to data privacy, Sir Tim paints the picture of a positive, equitable tomorrow. ...

Tech pioneer and inventor of the World Wide Web SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE looks ahead into the future of humane technology. From AI assistants to data privacy, Sir Tim paints the picture of a positive, equitable tomorrow.

The Future of the Web

Over thirty years ago, SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE invented the World Wide Web and it t has changed the world in ways we could have never have imagined in Business, Education, Innovation, and Government. The way we buy and sell, inform and are informed, agree and disagree, share and collaborate has been tra ...

Over thirty years ago, SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE invented the World Wide Web and it t has changed the world in ways we could have never have imagined in Business, Education, Innovation, and Government. The way we buy and sell, inform and are informed, agree and disagree, share and collaborate has been transformed. The Web has advanced medical research, helped solve complex scientific and business problems and advanced the pursuit of freedom and democracy. More recently the Web has moved from a Web of documents to a Web of data - empowering companies and consumers, and moving us faster forward. How will the future of the Web impact existing strategies and vision? Where are the threats and opportunities in the Web that awaits us? Sir Tim discusses how he conceived of and developed the Web, and thinks about what’s next on the horizon for the Web we know today and what it may become. Sir Tim tells us more about what he is working on today to build a better web, and how we can all be a part of it.

Bold, New Tech Strategies for Business

Too many businesses are not using technology and the web to their full advantage. To leapfrog over the competition, businesses need to use new technology as a source of innovation. SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE, the inventor of the World Wide Web, is an authority on tech innovation and how businesses can harn ...

Too many businesses are not using technology and the web to their full advantage. To leapfrog over the competition, businesses need to use new technology as a source of innovation. SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE, the inventor of the World Wide Web, is an authority on tech innovation and how businesses can harness it for competitive advantage. On this topic, the tech futurist offers insight into business strategies so that companies can innovate how they invest, connect with consumers, ,and use technologies like big data and machine learning to make bold decisions, keep up with the cutting edge and build systems that are good for users. Sir Tim helps businesses think through how existing tech strategy will change as the next 3 billion web users come online . Just as he did when he invented the Web , Sir Tim discusses the importance of innovation and creativity in a digital world. He also outlines how to embrace Data, the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence, corporate responsibility for cybersecurity, the role of the effective CTO, and and opens up thinking with his visionary ideas on the potential markets of the future of technology and the Web.

Interoperability, Security, and Internet of Things

With leadership, society and security as themes, Web security is a constant battle. The broader tech community is in a time of an out-and-out battle between attackers and defenders. How does society assure that the same open platform of the Web will continue while being as secure as needed? There is ...

With leadership, society and security as themes, Web security is a constant battle. The broader tech community is in a time of an out-and-out battle between attackers and defenders. How does society assure that the same open platform of the Web will continue while being as secure as needed? There is a decision to be made to what extent this Web we create will be secure and interoperable. Privacy, authentication and identity access control centralization will become key areas for businesses. In addition, the Internet of things is on the near horizon for the future of the Web and of business. The Web of Data includes everything from bank statements, to fitness apps to mapping. Linking information across a company is hard enough. What happens when everything you buy becomes related? The ways companies are able to connect turbines or smart watches all will hinge on the interoperability of standards. Distributed applications will impact the commercial world. Companies need information to make decisions on how to support business for the future.

A Look Ahead Into the Future of Tech

When SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE invented the World Wide Web over 30 years ago, he envisioned a future no one else could have imagined and changed our lives forever. Now he is looking ahead to our next, new, un-imagined future. What does that look like? What will it mean for your business and our society? S ...

When SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE invented the World Wide Web over 30 years ago, he envisioned a future no one else could have imagined and changed our lives forever. Now he is looking ahead to our next, new, un-imagined future. What does that look like? What will it mean for your business and our society? Sir Tim takes his audiences beyond the technology itself, for example - the Internet of Things, Future of Artificial Intelligence, The Next Web Paradigm Shift, The Power of Data, Impact of Security and Privacy on the Web and business and into the real transformative impact these technologies are having and will have in the years ahead.

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Tech pioneer Sir Tim Berners-Lee sees AI assistants as the next step in human-technology interface

Tech pioneer and inventor of the World Wide Web SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE is leading the conversation on the paradigm-shifting possibilities of artificial intelligence. As society reckons with vital questions about the future of technology and calls for digital privacy and policies, Sir Tim has been an important voice guiding this societal change through a groundbreaking startup called Inrupt, which will harness the power of Solid – his revolutionary open-source platform that gives back the power of personal data to users – and may have colossal implications for security, collaboration, and our daily lives as the web evolves. Sir Tim told CNN that the humane future of AI includes more control over data and your own personal AI assistant.

Sir Tim frequently guides organizations through technological transition. Ernst & Young said, "I wanted to thank you again for a wonderful event last night… The guests greatly valued your insights and perspectives. A number commented to me that it was the best EY event they had ever attended. That is a testament to your genius and interactive style."

Watch Sir Tim Berners Lee in conversation with WIRED >>

Watch Sir Tim Berners Lee’s keynote for the BBC >>

Sir Tim Berners-Lee celebrates the 35th anniversary of the internet

Eschewing party hats and cake, SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE celebrated the 35th anniversary of his invention of the World Wide Web by sharing “Marking the Web’s 35th Birthday: An Open Letter.” Reflecting on the intention of his work to “allow for collaboration, foster compassion and generate creativity,” Berners-Lee notes the use of the technology to reshape the geopolitical landscape, drive economic shifts, and influence lives. He shares the intention of his non-profit, The World Wide Web Foundation, to fight the centralization, segmentation, and emergence of personal data markets in search of profit optimization. Berners-Lee makes a powerful call for change: “we have the opportunity to re-shape a digital future that prioritises human well-being, equity, and autonomy. The time to act and embrace this transformative potential is now.”

Explore Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s World Wide Web Foundation >>

Watch Sir Tim Berners-Lee on WIRED Smarter >>

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The world’s top artificial intelligence speakers help businesses and industries plan for what’s next

The Harry Walker Agency represents the world's top Artificial Intelligence thought leaders, business moguls, and tech titans who provide invaluable insight in the rapidly shifting landscape of AI and Chat GPT. Corporate leaders like former CEO & Chairman of Xerox URSULA BURNS and former President, CEO, and Chairman of IBM GINNI ROMETTY inspire their audiences to lean into innovation. Renowned internet pioneers like SIR TIM BERNERS-LEE, JIMMY WALES, and the Statesman of AI DE KAI unpack these exceptional tech advancements. Global tech executives like PayPal’s former President and CEO DAN SCHULMAN, digital entrepreneur and VC investor PHIL LIBIN, and tech entrepreneur and VC angel investor MICHAEL MIGNANO offer actionable insights about building out a data-backed, high-impact strategy for growth. Tech founder and change agent MIKE MUSE, and algorithm expert CATHY O’NEIL speak to how teams can work with AI to achieve astounding results, while emphasizing our values of ingenuity, courage, and inclusion. Data scientist and Cambridge Analytica whistleblower CHRISTOPHER WYLIE explains AI’s potential risks and how to navigate the complex cybersecurity issues.

Explore HWA’s Artificial Intelligence Speakers >>

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Books by Sir Tim Berners-Lee
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Biography

Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989 while working as a software engineer at CERN, the large particle physics laboratory near Geneva, Switzerland. Sir Tim understood the unrealized potential of millions of computers connected together through the Internet and envisioned the Web as a global information sharing space.

Sir Tim proposed what was to become the World Wide Web with a proposal specifying a set of technologies that would make the Internet truly accessible and useful to the world.. Despite initial setbacks and with perseverance, by October of 1990, he had specified the three fundamental technologies that remain the foundation of today’s Web : HTML, URL, and HTTP.

He also wrote the first Web page editor/browser (“WorldWideWeb”) and the first Web server (“?httpd“). By the end of 1990, the first Web page was available. By 1991, people outside of CERN joined the new Web community, and in April 1993, from much encouragement from Sir Tim and his colleagues, CERN announced that the World Wide Web technology would be available for anyone to use on a royalty-free basis.

Since that time, the Web has changed the world, arguably becoming the most powerful communication medium the world has ever known. Whereas only just over one half of the people on the planet are currently using the Web the Web has fundamentally altered the way we teach and learn, buy and sell, inform and are informed, agree and disagree, share and collaborate, meet and love, and tackle problems ranging from putting food on our tables to curing diseases.

In 2009, Sir Tim recognized that the Web’s potential to empower people to bring about positive change remained unrealized by billions around the world. Announcing the formation of the World Wide Web Foundation, he once again confirmed his commitment to ensuring an open, free Web accessible and to all where people can share knowledge, access services, conduct commerce, participate in good governance and communicate in creative ways. In 2012 Sir Tim co-founded the Open Data Institute with Sir Nigel Shadbolt, which seeks to show the value of open data, and to advocate for the innovative use of open data to affect positive change across the globe.

A graduate of Oxford University, Sir Tim is a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) andin the Computer Science Department at Oxford University.