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We are happy to share a guest blog from one of our Digital Day partner organizations, Elefteria Xekalakis Matthys from Admeira, addressing one of the Digital Day themes: Media & News
Digitalisation is bringing about major changes in the media sector. Content is no longer consumed only on the radio, television and newspapers but on virtually any device and from various sources, regardless of time and place. In the next five years, media use will continue to shift to the digital age and will become more and more mobile. Our recent study on media use demonstrates this as well as other key findings.
We are now used to our smartphones and tablets, and these devices have more and more functionalities. A phone is no longer just a phone, it’s a control centre. Lights and ventilation systems can be controlled through your smartphone. Apps can show us what’s in our fridge and create grocery lists with missing items. And you can do more than just watch TV with your TV. Pause, record and repeat are all possible, as are video calls, surfing, streaming and gaming. Thank you digitalisation.
New devices are changing our homes and how we’ll live in the future. A new trend is virtual assistants, created to make our lives easier. They listen to our commands and search the internet, radio, and television for information. Digitalisation enables a tailor-made programme, using analog products.
Despite digitalisation, the printed press still plays an important role. Newspapers and magazines still enjoy a high level of consumer confidence, as demonstrated in our study on “Media of the Future”. Two thirds of respondents between the ages of 15 and 59 say that a thriving society needs good journalists and newspapers. Today, printed products are being used in more and more hybrid ways. Key is offering a format that is most convenient for consumers and that is best suited to the type of content. This can be a print newspaper or a message from a news channel that reaches you via email or social media.
Devices connect automatically with each other. Innovation is happening at a rapid pace and with tremendous dynamism. Our living rooms are more and more connected – and our devices have more and more functionalities. This also affects how we use media: text, images and sound mix into new forms, which we intuitively use. Digitalisation offers new possibilities in the media sector: we no longer consume content on TVs, radios and newspapers, but on virtually any device, regardless of time and place. The motto is: “Anything, anytime, anywhere.”
Flexibility is an important factor. Four out of ten respondents would like the media to be even more flexible so that they can decide what, when and where they consume content. Media use will continue to shift to digital over the next five years and is likely to become even more mobile. An important driver of this trend is the “moving image”: video streaming is in high demand and will continue to gain in importance in the future.
Digitalisation also means an almost unmanageable wealth of information, especially in the media sector. It is not easy to keep track and find the content you want. That is why it is so important to have “lighthouses” in this sea of information that offer guidance. More than half the consumers between the ages of 15 and 59 seek guidance in this overwhelming media offer by trusting familiar media brands.
We are happy to share a guest blog from one of our Digital Day partner organizations, Yves Froppier from Gfi Switzerland, addressing one of the Digital Day themes: Health
Patients are becoming more and more actors of their own health, thanks to digital technology, and their relationship with health professionals is evolving, according to Jean-François Penciolelli, Director Public Sector at Gfi Informatique, and Julian Rioche doctoral student.
Economic changes and the arrival of internet have profoundly transformed the health sector. Sharing information has become easier and more accessible to all. Today, it is possible to access medical information online via social platforms and networks, which facilitates interactions between patients and healthcare professionals. Patients use social networks and communities to interact with other patients and explain their illnesses to others. Telemedicine platforms integrated with connected objects are enriching a vast communication system in the health sector. This wealth of information is disrupting healthcare, and patients are becoming real actors in their own health.
Patients are now better involved, and are harnessing new digital tools, like connected objects, that create new ways for patients to collaborate. Through social networks and communities, patients can help each other understand their illnesses and find better treatment. This can have a profound influence on a patient’s behaviour and health. Apps can change people’s behaviours through the ongoing collection of data and real-time recommendations. This can be reinforced through advice from healthcare or wellness professionals. Prevention becomes more natural. Patients seek information to better understand their illness, and determine which treatment to receive thanks to different digital media. Some patients even become experts on their illnesses. This is especially true with chronic illnesses.
Patients see themselves as unique and demand a personalised treatment plan that takes into consideration their history, lifestyle and habits. One important trend in patient behaviour are the nomadic patients, who require treatment plans that adapts to their situation, with a “ubiquitous” medical record, always available. These nomadic patients favour user experience over technology. They see themselves as “decision-makers”. They want to be informed and have a say in their treatment. They want to follow the evolution of their treatment to make their own diagnosis and take appropriate action. The biggest trend in telemedicine is patients are taking a more active role and are becoming more independent in their treatment journey. If this behaviour becomes more common, the healthcare sector will have to find new ways to provide greater support in times of crisis. We will have to create a framework that goes beyond medical emergencies, and provides ongoing and non-intrusive monitoring.
We are happy to share a guest blog from one of our Digital Day partner organizations, Annalisa Job, Adecco Group Switzerland, addressing one of the Digital Day themes: Work 4.0
The increased interconnectedness of machines and humans in supply chains and production processes is transforming the work place. New tools are changing entire work processes and require more mental work than manual labour. The “skill mismatch” between vacancies and competencies available on the market is intensifying against a backdrop of demographic change in Switzerland.
The digitalisation and automation of the work place is creating anxiety about what jobs will be left for people. It is true that machines are cheaper, they don’t take breaks or holidays, they don’t get sick, they don’t chat with colleagues and they don’t check their smartphones. These fears of robots replacing humans are largely unfounded: machines need humans, and many people are looking for less repetitive jobs.
Automation and digitalisation will impact Switzerland, but to a lesser degree than neighbouring countries. According to Ernst & Young, 52 percent of the Swiss workforce is currently employed in knowledge-intensive jobs. These jobs have already stood the test of time and adapted to new technologies. They are unlikely to disappear as a result of automation.
The study also shows that digitalisation and automation will create over 270,000 new jobs in Switzerland by 2025.A UBS study reveals that Switzerland will be unable to fill over 480,000 positions in the next 10 years due to shortages of specialised experts. The country will find it twice as challenging to bridge the gap as the Swiss labour market is already operating at near full employment.
New forms of employment like work 4.0 and the augmented workforce will need to help where certain skillsets are missing. This will require bringing in experts from outside the company to meet specific performance needs. The use of freelancers, short-term workers and crowd-workers will better meet the demand for more flexible, cheaper and faster delivery of services.
In Switzerland, more and more self-employed professionals work on assignment-based projects. The national social security system will have to adapt to meet the needs of this new category of professionals. New frameworks like digital signatures and interfaces must also improve to allow these new forms of employment to develop and thrive.
Switzerland is at the beginning of an uncertain journey into the digital future. Survival will require a continuous debate and an astutness for innovation. The advent of a digital economy and society requires the courage to face change and the ability to let go of old systems. Today, the government and businesses are focusing on retraining. Employees will have to learn to move with the flow of change and not swim against the current.
Switzerland is the first country in Europe to dedicate an entire day to foster a dialogue about the opportunities and challenges of digitalization across economy, science, politics, academia and the public: the Digital Day. The second edition will take place on October 25; more than 70 partner organizations and cantons, and 3 Federal Councillors will join forces. But do we need such a Day? And why? Birgit Pestalozzi, our Head of Public Dialogue & Digital Day has some answers.
We are experiencing a revolution: digitalisation is changing so many aspects of our lives: From the way we travel, to how we work, communicate and live. This leaves us with uncertainty and many open questions. Tackling these open questions is one goal of the upcoming Digital Day.
Digital transformation or digitisation is a fact and already a reality today, the recent past and will stay here for the future. digitalswitzerland is convinced that it brings both opportunities and challenges – as in every previous revolution. So the real question that we need to answer as a society, economy, government and on an individual level is what will we make of it and how can we embrace the manifold opportunities while at the same time overcoming the challenges ahead?
That’s why establishing a dialogue with the Swiss population is so important, which is precisely what the Digital Day seeks to achieve. During the nationwide day of action, experts will personally guide people through the digital world, answer questions and make the many facets of digitalisation tangible. In Zurich, for example, you will have the chance to learn about a robot that enables a sick girl to attend her school classes; you will learn about Big Data and Artificial Intelligence; and you’ll hear about drones made in Switzerland that support rescue missions all around the globe. At the same time, Yverdon in Western Switzerland will turn into a cyber security hub, to showcase the potential of digital transformation and learn the basics of data security and data protection both at home and at work.
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We are happy to share a guest blog from one of our Digital Day partner organizations, Tanja Kammerman from Swisscom, addressing one of the Digital Day themes: Mobility
What does the life of a mobile person look like in 2030? We suggest two possible scenarios.
Nicolas Altenberger is a 35 years old living in Zurich. Today, he is meeting a customer on the other end of town. He uses an app to check whether his favourite car pool is available and requests a pick-up at his house. An existing plug-in ensures the car arrives already pleasantly heated, despite the cold temperatures outside. Nicolas unlocks the car with his mobile phone. As he drives, he joins a conference call. On the motorway, he is surrounded by other autonomous vehicles, driving in dense platoons one behind the other. There is only one person in each car. Driving is much cheaper these days because it’s become so much more efficient. After reaching the motorway, Nicolas finds himself stuck in traffic. Unfortunately, this happens often.
He is two hours late for his meeting by the time he arrives. The vehicle has no trouble finding the customer’s exact location. The delay gives Nicolas plenty of time to prepare for the meeting. Advertising regularly pops up on his mobile phone screen, car suppliers use his data to send him targeted messages. After his meeting, Nicolas gets into a preheated car and heads back to his company headquarters. On the way, he has lunch and takes care of his emails and phone calls. An hour later, he is dropped off in front of the entrance and the vehicle automatically finds a parking spot in the multi-storey car park nearby.
Nicolas sits in his open-plan office. In the afternoon, his favourite retailer delivers his groceries to his car, along with parcels from the post office and other suppliers. In the evening, he uses a remote control to bring the car to the front of the building – of course pleasantly preheated. On his way home, he relaxes in the back seat with an episode of his favourite series on Netflix. He’s once again stuck in traffic. Advertising continues to pop up on his phone. At home, he locks the car with his smartphone. It drives itself to the underground garage of the car pool provider. Tomorrow, Nicolas wants to take the day off. On his car pool app, he sees that a sleek sports convertible is available – at a ridiculously low price.
Nicolas Altenberger is a 35 years old living in Zurich. Today, he is meeting a customer on the other end of town. Nicolas walks to his favourite co-working space just around the corner. The office is fully equipped with the technology to hold his customer meetings via video conference call. The experience is almost as good as being there in person. Through large glass panes he has a beautiful view outside. People are walking, cycling or using small vehicle-like devices. You can see electric scooters, Segways, new micro-mobiles and e-bikes.
Anytime Nicolas needs to go shopping, work, see a doctor or handle administrative work, he always asks himself whether he needs to be there in person or whether he can carry out these activities virtually. Cars are electric, autonomous and shared, and there are fewer and fewer of them on the road. Lisbon has calculated, for example, that today’s traffic could be handled by 10 percent of the vehicles. There is no longer a need for roadside parking. The freed up space is now available for active traffic. Nicolas loves to cycle through Zurich now.
After lunch, Nicolas strolls to the nearest micro-hub to pick up a parcel. These are pick-up and drop-off stations. By walking the final mile to the station instead of receiving the parcel at home, delivery traffic has been eliminated. He no longer needs to buy items overseas, he can 3D print them himself at the shop around the corner. In the afternoon, he works from home as his laundry basket is overflowing. In the evening, he wants to go to a festival with friends. They share a taxi and ensure it is filled to optimal capacity with other people joining their ride. When they book the taxi through the app, they can select whether they want to ride with more extroverted or introverted people.
On Wednesday 22nd of August 2018, we presented the organisation and programme of the second national Digital Day, which will take place on October 25th, at a press conference in Zurich main station.
Many of you, dear readers, may know this feeling when the time has come to reveal one of your pet projects. Whether in personal life or at work, there is always this time of mixed feelings between doubt and excitement. How are people going to react? Have I done enough? That is human and even when we talk about digitalisation, in the end, people are behind every project. After months of preparation, the Digital Day team still has a lot to achieve. However, we can count on the support and the active participation of some 70 committed partners. On D Day, we will be ready and we invite you to participate under the slogan:
Birgit Pestalozzi, Digital Day Head Project Manager, is delighted by the momentum: ‘New companies and organisations are constantly joining us as partners, and more and more cities and regions are expressing their interest in participating. The Digital Day is clearly in tune with the times – digitalisation is a topic that captures people’s attention. This only makes us more committed to the Digital Day motto, “experiencing digital together”. The Digital Day aims to be a day of action for the Swiss population, bringing digitalisation out of the online world and into reality.’ Throughout the whole day, Zurich main station will feature a curated programme covering seven different topic areas, broadcast live on YouTube.
To be in closer proximity to the Swiss population, in addition to the three main stations, decentralised hubs and partner’s activities will showcase different technologies all over Switzerland. Throughout the whole day, Zurich main station will feature a curated programme covering seven different topic areas, broadcast live on YouTube. You will also find online SRF live programme, the Startup Pitching stage and TEDtalks.
To open the dialogue, The Digital Day proposed some activities before October 25th. Part of the pre-campaign, a “Tour de Suisse” aims to meet Swiss employees to collect their thoughts about digitalisation. The videos will be shared across our social media. Pupils are also part of the event through a video contest. The theme this year is centred on what a digitalised playground (“playground 4.0”) looks like. Children and teenagers in primary, secondary I and secondary II can enter the competition alone or with their class.
Have you ever wanted to ask questions about digitalisation? Digital Day Brain is an AI technology that connects Swiss citizens with our partner’s experts ready to help you to better understand the current digital transformation. We have already started, do not be shy and join us.
New Edition, New website
To gather all information about the Digital Day, and to celebrate the second edition, we have launched a brand new website. The programme content is provided by our partners and may be subject to change. Our partners are incredibly creative, as is our team, and so the ideas are still coming thick and strong. What has been decided is that the Digital Day programme is divided into 7 “thematic worlds”. These themes have been defined from last year’s feedback and during the several workshops we organised with our partners. Thus the navigation of our website allows the visitor to consult the programme according to these “thematic worlds”. You can also filter by location, which narrows your search to the activities near to you. Don’t hesitate to regularly visit: www.digitaltag.swiss.
On the October 25th, the website will be the heart of the event: we will broadcast the live stream to connect people from all over the world to our Swiss Digital Day. And don’t forget, all social media from Digital Day and our Partners will share the day’s excitement with you all. #SwissDigitalDay
The Digital Day has grown significantly since its first edition last year. As already mentioned, some 70 companies and institutions have already joined as partners alongside the key partners Google, Ringier, SBB, SRG and Swisscom – an increase of 60% compared to last year. In 2018, the Digital Day can offer activities in over 12 cities, where different technologies will be showcased – more than double the geographic coverage of last year. The day of action, which is unique in Europe, is, therefore, able to address the population even more directly than before. The seven “thematic worlds” will be covered at the three main stations Zurich, Geneva and Lugano.
Digital Day hubs will cover specifics topics:
Some partners will organise activities in their companies in Bern, Fribourg, Lausanne, Lucern and Schaffhausen.
We don’t want to give away too much information about the scenography. However, after having visited the project manager of the hubs, we can already say that the decentralised hubs and partner’s event are going to be a real journey. Switzerland has awesome innovation forces and our partners are eager to present them to you.
Please jot down in your calendar #SwissDigitalDay on October 25th 2018 and stay tuned. So you do not miss any information, don’t forget to subscribe to our Newsletter.
On June 28th, the third Digital Day workshop took place at the EPFL in Lausanne. We did not need to test the commitment of our partners: having 50 representatives there, out of 61 partner companies and mostly Swiss Germans having travelled to Romandie, was a clear statement of interest. The workshop was focused on presenting the set up of the various locations throughout Switzerland and the content of the general programme of the second edition of the Digital Day, which takes place on October 25th this year. On the actual day, we will welcome visitors to the different sites all over Switzerland, as well as reach out to our fellow citizens to tease their curiosity and spread the word.
Where will the events take place?
The Digital Day will take place throughout Switzerland. The main centres will be located at Zurich, Geneva and Lugano railway stations. More importantly, and what should be hugely successful this year, individual hubs are organised throughout the country by digitalswitzerland’s partners, so that the day is accessible to everyone. These new locations are part of the programme and will be recognisable with the branding of the day. Most hubs decided to focus on a specific topic such as for example Cybersecurity, eGames or eHealth. They are a good reason to jump on the train to pay a visit wherever your curiosity leads you. You, who are parents, students, employees, companies, start-ups and so on, you will find answers to your questions and thirst for knowledge at the Digital Day events. So far, the Cantons of Basel Land, Fribourg, Grisons, St. Gallen, Valais and Vaud are working hard to build an enriching programme on their territories. Furthermore, given its success, the Swiss Digital Day has inspired others to follow suit. Vaduz and Poland have also decided to organise a Digital Day on October 25th.
One day, seven main topics
Like last year, to help visitors navigating through various off- and online experiences, the Digital Day programme is divided into seven thematic worlds.
Message to Mom: « Experiencing digital together »
“I know your age, I know you think you do not understand what is going on but I know you went through several changes in your life and this day is also for you! And believe me, we will give you time, explanations and the possibility to experience some technologies.”
The uniqueness of Digital Day lies in its physical presence and offline platform to jointly experience what digital is. Digital Day is an enrichment to the existing dialogue in the virtual space. Therefore, the population is invited to take part in the conversation before and during the day and to consider what contribution they can make to a successful transition towards integrating computational thinking, digital skills and competences and digital models. And because the challenges of change should be experienced and mastered together, in solidarity and collectively, digitalswitzerland and its partners invite everyone to:
• Explorer ensemble le digital
• Digital gemeinsam erleben
• Condividere un’esperienza digitale
If you have not yet done so, please jot down in your calendar #SwissDigitalDay on October 25th 2018. Stay tuned for the new website coming soon and the activation campaign. So you do not miss any information, please subscribe to our Newsletter.
Heads were fuming at our second Digital Day partner’s workshop and it was not because of the warm weather. Or not alone. The aim of the second workshop on 8 May was to connect Digital Day partners to create the content of the «Theme Worlds», which revolve around the topics of My Data, Mobility, Education, Work 4.0, Health, Lifestyle & Sport, Media & News. The workshop was kindly hosted by Aroma. Partners were welcomed also by Christian Wenger, President of the digitalswitzerland Executive Committee. His message to the partners and members: «Be creative, think big and make Switzerland an eye catcher!»
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Founder of digitalswitzerland Marc Walder was also present at the workshop and recalled the very beginning of the Digital Day. When the idea of the Digital Day was brought up for the first time in 2017, no one really believed in it. Some thought that it was just “another crazy idea of that guy” (meaning Marc Walder). However, the success of the Digital Day proofed the opposite: The event became bigger than expected and a true dialogue with the public has been started. For the first time ever, representatives from industries, politics and associations could enter into live conversations with the public and learned about their hopes and worries with regards to digital transformation. Young and old could experience and see, what digitalisation means for every one of them. It was like a journey to the future. Except that we already are in the middle of the future and the digital transformation has only just begun.
Doing something for the second time isn’t that simple. Even though more experienced, expectations are most likely higher. And believe us, dear reader, they are. The public and we ourselves are having high expectations. Because we want to really have a lasting impact and do something big and relevant for the public. That is why this year’s partners and the Digital Day team is working hard to put into reality all ideas and visions around the next Digital Day. Initiatives and events will take place already before the actual event on 25 October, in all regions of Switzerland, in all official Swiss languages. «We are very happy to confirm that this year, besides Zurich, Lugano and Geneva and Chur, we also have Vaduz, St. Gallen and Valais on board», so Birgit Pestalozzi, overall project lead Digital Day and Head of Public Dialogue at digitalswitzerland. More cantons and cities might follow. Another focus this year will be on startups. They will pitch and present themselves and inspire us with their passion and power.
During the workshop, partners sat together, brainstormed, discussed and challenged in a constructive way. And finally, ideas are becoming more concrete. Now, the Digital Day doesn’t seem so far away and we can’t wait for the big day. The next step will be the main workshop on 28 June in Lausanne. Creative phase, check. Next: bringing concepts to reality.
Do you want to stay up to date with all things Digital Day? Sign up for our newsletter or join the conversation on social media with #SwissDigitalDay
Registration to become a Digital Day Partner will close soon. If you are interested to be part of this exciting journey, go to partner.digitaltag.swiss.
Almost a month ago I started with this blog series on the Digital Day and why it is important for Switzerland to why we all need to learn the bicycle trick. Today, I present you my third insight into the why we need to try to increase our ability to adapt in order to come out on top of the digitalization – meaning that we need to take all the chances as well as prepare for the threats it has in store.
Just to remind everyone, this blog series is based on the book by Thomas L. Friedman, Thank you for being late – An optimist’s guide to thriving in the age of accelerations. There is also a great podcast in which he summarizes the main points of the book. Please read the book or listen in on him talking about it for an hour, it is THAT good. For more than two months now, I’ve been talking about nothing else with my wife, my friends, my colleagues and even our members.
As discussed in the last two blogs, digitalization is so fast-paced that it is hard to keep up with everything that is going on in the world. Terms such us Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Gene Editing and many more are increasingly common, but only very few people actually realize where these developments will take us. This by itself is not really an issue; with new inventions it’s always the case that at the beginning we cannot see clearly where they are going. But until now there was always a time when we understood the wheel, the car, the world wide web. However, today all of these things are happening so fast, that when we grasp the idea of it, the technology has already moved on. The best example of this is UBER: While today we are still concerned with regulating UBER, its business model is fast becoming obsolete through the emergence of self-driving cars, that for some are just around the corner.
«Everything feels like it’s in constant catch-up mode. What to do? We certainly don’t want to slow down technological progress or abandon regulation. The only adequate response is that we try to increase our ability to adapt. That is the only way to release us from the society-wide anxiety around tech.» (p. 33)
«Enhancing humanity’s adaptability is 90 percent about “optimizing for learning” – applying features that drive technological innovation to our culture and social structures.» (p. 34)
Out of the many examples that are given in the book, I would like to focus on three cases. These three provide a deeper understanding of what we need to do and reproduce many times over in order to raise our ability to adapt to the same level as the technological progress is going forward. As the examples below will show, we need to take technological innovation and use it to learn better and faster as well as to raise the average skill set of our society up. The tools are already there provided by the digital transformation.
AT&T realized early on that the skillset of their current workforce needs to be “enhanced” in order to cope with the work of the future. Hence, they invested heavily in enabling employees to develop in whatever skill direction that is in need.
«The new social contract is that you can be a lifelong employee if are ready to be a lifelong learner. We will give you the platform but you have to opt in. Everyone has a personal learning portal and they can see where the endpoint is [for whatever skill set they are aiming to acquire] and the courses that will get them there. you can pick a different future and how to get there. You can be anything you want to be in this system. But again, you have to opt in. The executive’s role here is to define the vision for the future. The company’s responsibility is to provide the tools and platforms for employees to get there, and the individual’s role is to provide the selection and motivation. We need to make sure that anyone who leaves here [does not do so] because we did not provide them with the platform – that it was their lack of motivation that did not make it happen.» (p. 218)
«What we have done is to take our best and make it our average and our average is now right up there. Our cycle times for [new ideas] are much faster now. Anyone who finds a solution, we can scale it through the company. Our employee engagement surveys showed 30 percent improvement in lost sick days in one year. People are calling in sick less because they are feeling more empowered, more of a sense of ownership, and more connected. (p. 219)
Faster adoption is also necessary within education courses with skills that are in need for the jobs of the future. This is just a hint where fast adoption in courses can lead the general education system.
«The supernova [aka the cloud] is enabling deeper revolution that is just beginning [within Moocs; Massive Open Online Courses], spurred by learning platforms such as Udacity, edX,and Coursera, that will change the very metabolism and shape of higher education and, one hopes, lift the adaptability line in the way [as written above]. When a company like Udacity can respond to a major technological leap forward, such as TensorFlow from Google, and offer a course online to teach it to anyone in the world within three months, the word is going to get out and the market will change. Who is going to wait until next year to take that course on the campus of a university – assuming that school can even change its curriculum that quickly?» (p. 222)
The Khan academy offers free Youtube video lessons for everyone around the world to learn. What it did now is connect with the US College Board that oversees the SAT-tests – similar to our “Kantonsschulaufnahmeprüfungen” – and develop a platform on which every kid in the US that wants to get better scores can learn, optimized and free of charge.
«The system works like this: In tenth or eleventh grade you take the practice SAT, known as PSAT. And let’s say , for instance, you scored 1060 out of 1600 on English and math. Your results are fed into a computer, which, using AI and big data, then spits out a message: “Tom, you did really well, but you need some work on fractions. You have a real opportunity to grow here. Click here for customized lessons just for you on fractions.”» (p. 228)
«We are providing personalized learning at a time when students need to take far greater command of the cultivation of their talents and their career trajectory. The College Board used to just give tests to measure and mark progress, now we are actually trying to provide the tools of practice and coaching to change trajectories.» (p. 228)
In the next blog in about two weeks time, I will deep dive into other cases than just investing in learning and education that we can do as a society to prepare ourselves for what’s to come.
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Two weeks ago, in the blogpost on Why the Digital Day is important for Switzerland, I talked about the consequences if the dialogue with the broader public on digital transformation is not happening and people start being left out or behind in this 4th Industrial Revolution. The book from Thomas L. Friedman presents a great many quotes perfect for our cause. However, the book not only provides warnings, but also focus areas where we will need to act upon as a state, society, as business leaders and politicians in order to cope with the age of accelerations. In short, and as quoted in my last post, now is “a time to understand more, so we may fear less” (p. 3).
Below, I want to share with you my key takeaways from the book regarding the focus area «Education». In this time of digital transformation, education is an area that we at digitalswitzerland put a strong focus on and invest much of our resources in in order to move in the right direction and fast – both within the Digital Day 2018 as well as within one of our main pillars Education & Talent.
In the book, Astro Teller, Captain of Alphabets Moonshot Research lab Google X, is pointing towards a new human state we need to get into:
«What we are experiencing today, with shorter and shorter innovation cycles, and less time to learn to adapt, is the difference between a constant state of destabilization versus occasional destabilization. The time of static stability has passed us by. That does not mean we can’t have a new kind of stability, but the new kind of stability has to be dynamic stability. There are some ways of being, like riding a bicycle, where you cannot stand still, but once you are moving it is actually easier. It is not our natural state. But humanity has to learn to exist in this state.» (p. 35)
«We are all going to have to learn that bicycle trick.» (p. 35)
«When that happens, in a weird way, we will be calm again, but it will take substantial relearning.» p.35
One of the main keys to dynamic stability is an overhaul of today’s education for our kids, our students and ourselves. The following statement is crucial and needs to be addressed by all education stakeholders, be it in primary or secondary school, in vocational training, in universities or in lifelong education:
«We definitely don’t train our children for dynamic stability.» (p. 35)
Astro Teller is supported in this sentiment by IBM Chief of Watson (Supercomputer), John E. Kelly, who piles on top of that:
«In the twenty-first century knowing all the answers won’t distinguish someone’s intelligence – rather the ability to ask all the right questions will be the mark of true genius.» (p. 103)
We have to train everyone and ourselves for motivation and inspiration:
«You have to know more, you have to update more often, and you have to do more creative tasks with it than just routine tasks. That recursive loop really defines work and learning today. And that is why self-motivation is now so much more important.» (p. 205)
«Within the next decade that digital divide [note: not everyone connected/online] will largely disappear. And when that happens only one divide will matter […] and that is the motivational divide. The future will belong to those who have self-motivation to take advantage of all the free and cheap tools and flows coming out of the supernova [note: the cloud].» (p. 205)
In my next blogpost in two weeks’ time, I will provide specific examples as presented in the book on how AT&T handles employee education and how the Khan Academy provides free support for all kids. Stay updated and sign up for our newsletter.
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