Womble Carlyle lawyer Morris Ellison will discuss “Building an International Mobility Center:  The German/Israeli/American Innovation Triangle” at the Oct. 18 meeting of the Columbia World Affairs Council.

In an increasingly technological society, the keys to any successful business include coming up with new ideas, implementing them and keeping operations, products and services fresh. “Innovation,” the process of bringing those ideas to reality, plays a large role both for small and big companies in the national and international context. Throughout industry, new forms of information technologies are being implemented and are constantly evolving, so that yesterday’s innovations may already be outdated today. Ready or not, the “Mobility Revolution” is upon us.

Germany, the United States and Israel have become leading countries, regarding innovation and invention and the commercialization of these ideas. Virtually every German auto manufacturer has established an “innovation center” in Israel. Israel is often referred to now as “start-up nation.” More Israeli companies are listed on NASDAQ than all European and Indian companies combined. Extraordinary ideas are often born in Israel, especially in the area of cybersecurity and mobile technology.

South Carolina has the opportunity to play a key role in the “mobility revolution." South Carolina is the North American home for many German automotive manufacturers. By capitalizing on its circumstances surrounding the existing South Carolina economy, our state can become a key player in the United States/German/Israeli Innovation Triangle.

Ellison’s presentation takes place at noon at the Palmetto Club in Columbia.

Morris Ellison represents local, national and international investors, lenders, and real estate developers in the development, financing and disposition of commercial properties and other assets. Ellison has experience in a variety of complex real estate and business-related issues including the development of several mixed-use projects, real property tax appeals, entity disputes and structuring and complex foreclosures and workouts. He leads Womble Bond Dickinson’s Israel Team and practices in the firm’s Charleston office. Connect with Ellison on LinkedIn.