Hope-tech and skill-tech not ed-tech
Working Paper No. 26B
The four possible futures of the world.
This article will cover an interesting view on how to move over “EdTech” and understand there is more content than people searching for it, and HOPE is what still sells across the developing and developed world, while examining the possible ways the world could shape up from here on ….
The 4 possible worlds of work in 2030 and beyond :
One world could move away from big companies as new tech allows small businesses to gain more strength.
In another, society may become the focus where companies collaborate…
1. The Red world : Platforms like Facebook for Business, Blockchain, CRED in India etc..allow tiny businesses to tap into the vast information reservoir of information, skills and financing. HR no longer exists as a separate function and people processes are outsourced, and those with futuristic skillsets are rewarded the highest.
2. The Blue world : Global corporations become larger and more powerful (likely scenario) and top talent is fought over.
3. The Yellow world : Workers seek greater meaning, find autonomy, fulfilment and flexibility (requires massive thought change in leadership), while working for organisations with strong ethical and social standards (The Gig economy and hybrid work). The concept of fair pay and time versus money dominate here
4. The Green world : This is a reaction to strong public opinion and scarce natural resources, with strict international regulations and companies will push for a strong ethical and environmental agend.
Let me quote a personal example, I currently am a board advisor for a waste to wealth startup called “Box4R” currently under the accelerator program for Deshpande Startups… A Mentor on “Seekho.ai” , “SpeakIn learning”, “GLG” and a “Brazil/ India” bridge… where I do one on one coaching on Communications and Negotiations (fundamental people skills), am pursuing a CAREER in international peacekeeping ; and a couple of side projects in different Tech industries, via a Consultancy services organisation of my own, where I help people with Growth and Marketing.
You get the drift?
My bets are equally hedged, so I would call myself a good Time Investor :)
Now, according to independent studies published across CBRE, Genesis and PWC… 2030 would shift the world…and how ?
- Best places to work will have both collaborative and quiet places where people can focus.
- With so many collaborations possible there will be no need to build a large powerful business
- Wellbeing including lighting, sleep rooms, pets at work, music will be important in building the office environment
- A Chief of work OR Chief of staff will now set the culture of the organisation
- Wearable devices will guide people on how to navigate shared workspaces, no physical cards.. but a tracking device. :)
- There will not be any physical desks, but employees will be able to have a stimulated office from anywhere (but mostly office:))
- Smarter geologically independent communities and communication between people
- Ever been to the Silent Disco ? Well that is how informal get togethers might take place.
- Workers will use virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to sort through email, meetings, etc and so VOICE will be powerful.
My understanding of the above translates into the below — ->PROBLEM SOLVING, FLUIDITY, ORIGINALITY, ACTIVE LEARNING are higher cognitive skills that will be in demand; along with Social and Emotional empathy.
Typically, Business development (not Sales), programming and counselling will require these skills as persistent careers.
Technology wise if you understand IT, data analysis and engineering… you are prepared for the future workforce.
Products can be built now on democratised apps, where you can drag and drop features from a manual; so dont waste your time there. (Example: tools like Wix, Canva etc)
Here are some ideas to chew upon….
1st wave : Algorithmic
2nd wave : Augmentation
3rd wave : Autonomy
- How good are you at Data Analysis ? Can you be a personal data broker to people?
- Personal Memory curator
- Elderly wellness consultant (Most people from the yesteryears will break with this massive transformation, being able to train them and help them navigate this will be a career in itself)
- Memory augmentation surgeon (Study Psychology and help people boost their memory)
- Science Ethicist (Study policy and data for this)
- Space pilots and tour guides : Will help people to live in Lunar outposts.
It will be a world of FANTASY…so your imagination and creativity is highly important.
- Companies will do personality profiling based on AI and Social Media
- There will be a credit score for Skills
- Wearable healthTech will also allow for finding your “Right brain” even though it cant be completely objective
- VR is already being used for testing training and diversity initiatives.
Chew on this, and when you think of Upskilling, go back to the fundamentals of Design, Science and the Workings of the Brain and then compliment that with Data and AI and Programming, and Ethics (Epistemology)