Tech transformation
Despite technology revolutionising the way people work in the last 25 years, many professionals still view it as a ‘bolt on' to time-honoured processes.
According to a report by Cisco called Connected Conversations, many people still see technology as an add-on to the way they have always worked, yet are enthusiastic about technological possibilities. The report surveyed industry veterans and newbies across five sectors to identify how business structures and individual roles have evolved over the last 25 years.
It found Britons are enthusiastic about the potential possibilities of new technology, such as faster internet speeds allowing more advanced services. Those surveyed listed whiteboards in schools, doctor consultations over video conference and rich multimedia streaming as current ways broadband has bolstered the workplace.
Professionals also acknowledged the digitalisation of data has transformed businesses in the last 25 years, altering relationships and peoples' attitude to information. The report said the ability to use that data to provide improved and more efficient services - both governmental and business - will be a pivotal factor in the UK's ability to compete on the world stage as a knowledge economy, in the next two and a half decades.
Interestingly, both the public and private sector agreed technology projects often get a bad reputation, not always though abject failure, but because those that succeed become invisible.
The public also has mixed feelings about how technological advances could change processes in the relatively short-term. For example, almost 70% of people believe they will be able to vote online at the next general election, yet nearly 65% think they will never be able to join their local council via a Facebook group.
However, while those responsible for service delivery are hesitant to adopt technology, their fears of public rejection are unfounded, according to the report. Just over one fifth of Brits saw lack of public demand as a barrier to video telehealth doctors' appointments, with most unaware the technology already exists.
