Paradigm shifts identified
We are living in one of those pivotal world-changing moments in history. A time of paradigm shifts, a new perception of the world. The planetary emergency we face is serious and our systems need to change. The perspectives and boundaries of knowledge, the economy, work and the concepts of self are being disrupted.
1/ a new web
The Internet paradigm feeds a lot of these shifts. Never before did we have access to such a broad range of diverse information from all over the world. The worlds knowledge is bundled and available to everyone, making developments going faster and faster. The physical and digital world influence each-other, creating a new language and expanding our perception of reality. The Internet had also grown and developed in ways that could not be foreseen when it started. The Internet now has reached its 30-years anniversary, Tim Berners-Lee wants to change the face of the internet he created, he pleats for ways to restore rightful ownership of data to every web user.
2/ Global weather extremes
With increased technological capabilities along with ever-growing concern over the state of the environment, the world is beginning to not only shift towards renewables, but the power over energy supplies and grids are decentralising. The shift has to be made but the transition is slow, and goals are hard to reach as this is a global issue. The impact of weather extremes will influence our daily lives, our food, the way we build homes and plan cities.
Eth Zurich construction robot
3/ hyper-automation
Automation will rise in the coming decades; repeatable tasks and exchanging information will be further automated. Just because something can be automated does not mean it needs to be and will be viable in practice. Automation will cost jobs, yet other jobs will be created by freeing humans from repetitive tasks.
4/ Questioning capitalism
We are redefining the value systems from which we work, live, and engage with others and with the material resources of the earth. Behavioural change is slow, and the impact it will have on society is gradual. The economic impact of new technologies, new production systems and new ways of living will shape a new sustainable form of capitalism.
5/ biomedical engineering
We will start to alter the definition of being human. Computers will become smarter which will result in a desire to keep up as humans. The age of bioengineering is upon us, with scientists' understanding of how to engineer cells, tissues and organs improving at a rapid pace. Bioengineering can change the quality of life and life itself.
The next big shift
AI
Artificial Intelligence is developing faster than the speed of light. Autonomous operating systems go beyond automation and create learning, judging and predictive ecosystems driven by data. Elon Musk has said that artificial intelligence is the biggest threat we face as a civilisation. We have to think about the future we envision and ask important questions about the implications of AI on us as human beings and our societies.
Future thinking
What will these shifts mean for you brand or product in 5 or 10 years time? OvN believes in a longterm view, looking ahead so you can make informed decisions in the short term. Connect with us to discuss the possibilities for a mega-trend future report.
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