Troy, N.Y. — Today’s stock market is so volatile and the economy so uncertain, how can investors plan successfully for the future?

A panel of management experts at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will offer their personal solutions in a seminar and debate titled “The World’s Most Valuable Companies in 2005: Where Should You Invest Now?”

Hosted by the Lally School of Management and Technology, the free, public event will be held on Friday, April 6, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., in Room 318 of the Darrin Communications Center.

Lally School Professor Pier Abetti will chair the seminar, and Rensselaer Provost G.P. “Bud” Peterson will serve as moderator. Abetti will speak on “The Rise and Fall of the World’s Most Valuable Companies and Most Competitive Countries.”

The panel will include Rensselaer management professors M.L. “Bob” Emiliani, of the Lally School at Hartford, speaking on the automotive industry; Gina O’Connor, assistant professor and co-author of “Radical Innovation,” speaking on the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries; Shikar Sarin, Bozzone assistant professor, speaking on the information and communications industries; and Phil Phan, Warren and Pauline Bruggeman distinguished chair, speaking on the entertainment industry.

The distinguished guest speaker will be Hugh Johnson, senior vice president and chief investment officer for First Albany Corp., who will discuss “The Perspective of Institutional Investors.”

The speakers and audience will vote for their nominations for the title of most valuable companies in 2005. RSVP for the seminar to Enza Bove at 276-2812, or e-mail bovee@rpi.edu.