The Technology Futures report outlines new ways for leaders to predict future trends.
The new technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, such as artificial intelligence (AI), Cloud and robotics, are changing the way we live, learn, and do business at a rate unprecedented in human history.
This seismic shift is playing out in a world characterised by unreliable political landscapes and increasing environmental instability.
Scenario planning in this environment can be difficult for businesses, affecting their ability to plan for the future, and accurately assess the risks and opportunities that may present themselves. The Technology Futures report, released in collaboration with Deloitte, provides leaders with data analysis tools to scenario plan and forecast future technology trends.
“The rapid pace of technological change, alongside the global crisis caused by COVID-19, means that leaders today need new tools to understand challenges and develop strategies in the face of an increasingly uncertain future. This report provides three new analytical tools for business leaders to think about the future in a dynamic environment,” said Ruth Hickin strategy and impact lead, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution at World Economic Forum.
The report breaks down future trends into four categories for business leaders and provides some examples of what is likely to remain constant in the years ahead.
- Information: With the volume of accessible data exploding and more of our personal lives lived online, the report projects the probable implications for remote learning, remote working and healthcare.
- Locality: Since the onset of COVID-19, even more of our interpersonal interaction is virtual and physical experiences have dwindled. The report projects more niche, readily available virtual experiences available to consumers.
- Economy: The report forecasts a growing likelihood that flexible and clean energy production will continue rising.
- Education: Personalised education will likely grow, along with the availability of digitised and virtualised content.
In addition to strategic modelling, the report gives leaders a baseline history of how the Fourth Industrial Revolution has progressed. It highlights just how fast technology is evolving and outlines one way risk management could evolve to better address and adapt to it.
