CIDR: Chat-oriented Innovations in Database Research

The number of large innovations per year has been increasing rapidly since the start of the new millennia (Figure ??). From Hadoop and big data, to internet of things, to millennial startups, to visualization, to deep learning, each new innovation has left an undeniable mark on society, and ultimately, the world. Although the database community may not have led the charge in these innovations, we have been successful at staking our claim to the infrastructure and core tenants in each of these innovations. But must we continue to play a reactive role? Should we not be the drivers in new innovative areas? The answer is clearly a resounding yes, but towards what nascent area? Well, do I have a bridge to sell you, and it is chat bots.