How embracing new technology beyond our time can help us plan for the future.
To appreciate the significance of embracing new technology for the future, we must look back at history. Our ancestors, who navigated vast oceans and expanded their horizons, utilised innovative “ship” technology to explore new territories, trade, and foster cultural exchanges. These brave souls embarked on journeys, often fraught with peril, believing their endeavours would leave a lasting legacy for generations to follow. And indeed, they did. The ships of yesteryears laid the foundation for global exploration, trade routes, and the exchange of ideas.
In much the same way, our contemporary technological innovations are paving the way for a future filled with possibilities, even if we may not fully comprehend the extent of their impact. We must adopt a holistic perspective to plan for the future beyond ourselves. Here are some key considerations:
Ethical Technology Development: As we innovate, we must prioritise ethical considerations. Ensuring technologies are developed with ethical guidelines in mind will help prevent unintended consequences and leave a more positive legacy for future generations. Personal information is the new gold, according to all technology leaders. We have monetised data because of the value it provides to businesses attempting to reach their consumer base. But when does it go too far?
Also, is the customer really “always right” even if he or she is demanding that your team work 50-60-hour weeks to meet an unreasonable deadline? If there is a conflict of views, who do you go with?
Some artefacts are already in place like the Data Ethics Canvas created by Open Data Institute
- What is it? A collection of questions, which aim to prompt discussions so that teams consider how data is to be collected, shared or used.
- Aims: Find a balance between data ‘fearing’ and data ‘hoarding’ + Consider impacts on people + Encourage trust and be transparent
- Outcome: Produce a prioritised and assigned list of actions.
Sustainability: Environmental sustainability should be a central focus. We must develop and use technology in ways that minimise harm to the planet and promote sustainability. This includes embracing renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and addressing climate change. When we hear each of the GAFAM data centers consumes around the world about twice as much electricity as the city of San Francisco… we need to question ourselves about the right use of data.
Read more here: https://www.tech-transformed.com/
Many solutions already exist. Have you heard about the Humane Design Guide for example?
- The Human Design Guide by Center for Humane Technology explores how we can build technology that doesn’t exploit but does supports us. A worksheet to help you take meaningful steps towards designing a more humane product and to identify where investing in a deeper understanding of human nature will yield further benefits. It leads you through an assessment of the six human sensitivities and helps you take action with your team. It has two pages, one to assess the current state of your product and one to ideate on.
Education and Empowerment: Preparing future generations to navigate the technological landscape is paramount. Investing in education and providing opportunities for individuals to acquire digital literacy and adaptability skills will ensure they can thrive in an ever-changing world.
From our experience with the Group of Eight Australia, we consider it’s fundamental to support initiatives like Securing the Future of Australia’s Engineering Workforce or the Australian research to future proof the nation’s economy.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaboration across various fields and industries is vital for addressing complex challenges. By working together, we can harness the collective knowledge and creativity necessary to solve the world’s most pressing problems.
Long-Term Vision: We must cultivate a long-term vision that transcends immediate gains. Short-term thinking can hinder progress, while a forward-thinking approach enables us to make decisions that benefit humanity for centuries to come.
Embracing new technology with a forward-thinking mindset and planning for the future beyond ourselves offers significant advantages. It fosters sustainable progress by reducing waste and promoting renewable energy sources, resulting in a healthier planet. Additionally, forward-thinking technological advancements stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life. They foster global connectivity, promote scientific discovery, transform education, and improve healthcare, benefiting both current and future generations. This approach also addresses societal challenges, empowers crisis response, and leaves behind a legacy of innovation that shapes a brighter future for all.
If you would like our Maltem team to help you in your future project, whether it involves innovative technology implementation or strategic planning for the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work towards building a better tomorrow.
