There are 5 Macro Trends that will shape the Future. These are:
- The Age of Automation
- The Demise of Driving
- A Re-Think of Retail
- A Printable World
- The Triumph of the Tiny
Which of these Trends do you anticipate will have the biggest impact and state why?
Artificial intelligence stands out as a transformative force, akin to the other four trends, yet it is poised to engage with the masses on an accessible, affordable level through technologies such as chatbots and ChatGPT. Its widespread adoption will yield the most significant influence on the way we conduct tasks in both professional and domestic settings.
Watching this has really made me feel as though I have had my head buried in the sand for too long! All of these concepts have made me think about the changes we will experience in our world in the not-too-distant future and how we will cope with them, especially in the education industry.
It’s great that you’ve become more aware of the rapid changes happening around us! Indeed, the not-too-distant future will bring about significant transformations, especially in the education sector. As we adapt to these changes, it’s essential to embrace new technologies, methodologies, and approaches to learning. This can involve integrating artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and personalized learning into educational systems. By staying informed and open to innovation, we’ll be better prepared to navigate and thrive in our ever-evolving world.
I believe 3 D printing wil have the biggest impact due to its capacity to chnage entire economic models.
You’re right, 3D printing has the potential to significantly impact our world, especially in terms of economic models. This technology allows for on-demand production, which can lead to shorter supply chains, reduced waste, and increased customization. By enabling businesses and individuals to manufacture complex products with ease, 3D printing can foster local production and promote sustainability. Additionally, it can revolutionize industries such as healthcare, construction, and automotive by enabling rapid prototyping and innovation. As 3D printing technology advances, its influence on our economy and society is expected to grow even further.
They clearly will and/or/are all going to have both positive and negative impacts. As far as the biggest impact right now that I took away was the Printable world. Consumer behaviour that means we no longer need other people, no man power to produce materials, store and/or sell materials, we do it ourselves. This is exciting and concerning, like everything. A rethink of retail, loosing our human connections, the age of Automation, at the super intelligence level, humans become even more dispensable. The demise of driving, we become deskilled, even more reliant on robotics and then the triumph of tiny, all both positive and negative impacts, all big and small impacts. Game changes for sure.
As Charles Darwin said: “It is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself.” 19th April 2021. https://laidlawscholars.network/posts/the-one-most-adaptable-to-change-is-the-one-that-survives. Accessed 29/09/2022, 10:16pm.
For me as a teacher, educator, we have seen fantastic development in the teaching space when it comes to online learning. Covid taught us how quickly we can adapt to change, and how fabulous it can be. Flexibility that we never had before. Access that has us zooming in to places we once upon a time, pre covid would not have considered possible. I am excited to live in a time that challenges me to continue to learn. The 5 Macro Trends that will shape the Future will all impact one way or another, the one that will have the biggest impact is just a guess right now. This is an evolving space that I will now continue to consider. The I’m not a robot box below, is an interesting concept that until now, I just answered without too much thought. Now I have learnt about the 5 Macro trends, I wonder, have the robots already learnt how to correctly select the photographs that have traffic light?
The age of automation is the one I’m most fascinated about especially in healthcare. The devices, equipment etc that can help us look after patients will be amazing!
Hi Helen,
I agree, the development of devices and equipment because of the age of automation is a very exciting space when it comes to the benefits that are and will become possible. Let’s hope that the importance of connections and empathy is forever remembered as a necessary component in health care.
It is so facinating ,Patints could # D print medications,walking aides etc as well.
I think they will all have a massive impact. Primary schools now have their own 3D printers, i think face scanning may have been happening for a lot longer than we would like to think and I am not sure big pharma would be linking the triumph of the tiny as much as we do!
I can’t beilieve that schools are already using 3 D printers,that is fantastic.
All are going to have a huge impact, but in my opinion, the age of automation will be the one we will feel the most in our day to day lives. The fact that our every choice or action can be analyzed or responded to, is scary and exciting at the same time. The fact that machines can already become smarter than us….is mind blowing.
Great course, learned so much thought provoking content.
Well done Michael!
I agree – i think i will see the age of automation most as well!
Hi Irina,
Yes, machines are becoming smarter, the age of automation is fascinating and we need to start up to date. I agree, a lot of thought provoking content to consider. I think it’s time to re skill and learn more about robotics.
I agree. The Age of Automation was a fascinating and thought-provoking session.
In the world of teaching, I will say definitely the age of automation – particularly in relation to assessment marking. We already see it now with multiple choice online assessments that are marked automatically with no teacher involvement. And with COVID forcing training and delivery online there is the annoying assumption regarding digital natives versus digital immigrants – which is not true. Personally I prefer to use digital residents and digital visitors, hence the importance of training to improve people’s digital literacy skills.
Also robotics, as we all know, are making huge strides in industries replacing people with machines – and that’s fine so long as there is support for people to transition to other work (upskilling), this would give people the time to turn their attention and energies towards other areas in life that can be improved. Philosophically what if one day people lose the ability and skills to “make stuff” because robots have been doing it? Even on this page alone the the CAPTCHA in reCAPTCHA stands for “Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart” – see the tiny tiny words ‘Privacy’ and ‘Terms’ under the logo?… click on those and have read then cringe.
There are a lot of big ideas around regarding tech and how it can be employed in many aspects of our lives, but the actual implementation is a lot harder. A test carried out in a controlled environment is a lot different once you move it into the real world and throw humans into the mix = chaos and too many variables.
I feel the trend with the most significant impact would be nanotechnology. The medical implication of being able to control matter at the nanoscale would extend the human lifespan. This could prevent some currently incurable illness as Michael discussed such as cancer. But could also enable us to develop materials in the world to prevent the spread of diseases that might be passed on in surfaces such as self-cleaning public toilets. Perhaps with further research nanotechnology could extend to prevent airborne pathogens and therefore reduce the spread of viruses such as COVID-19. This could also impact food production enabling us to prevent contamination but also stablise food from factors impacting quality and taste. This could ensure food has longer durability and subsequently reduce waste and reduce food shortages in the world. This could ensure that food could be shifted to those who require it and limit implications of storage.
Its an interesting prospect and also one where it will make you wonder if it gets into the wrong hands what will happen!
I believe Automation will have the biggest impact in shaping the future, the way we live, the way we work, and the way we define value creation. The impact on jobs will be felt and the need for reskilling will take a new meaning in society.
I agree and the face scanning – i can see no passport flights in the very near future!
I think initially that the driving and retail will have the biggest impact on jobs. It may overwhelmingly affect young people entering the job market and the jobs that people don’t need study for; i.e. the more vulnerable in the job market. This is a bit of a concern.
Amy i completely agree – only have to look at what ATMs have done to banks and what self service checkouts will do to woolies and coles in the future.
The use of tech makes life easy, and challenging. Autofill or spell check, are great examples Helps reduce the work volume and allows you to concentrate on core issues. Automation is almost here-how will this relate to F2F reaching?
I enjoy the idea of grocery shopping. Putting your grocery items into a bag and not having to take them out in order to pay for them, while also handling your children and being able to move through as quickly as possible.
The convenience (for those with means) is undeniably very interesting! Making shopping for necessities less draining is a good thing, as long as someone/some process can be established to support the people who would need jobs like this to survive themselves. Personally, the easier grocery shopping is something I look forward to 🙂
The idea of having facial recognition everywhere we go seems to be a risk to privacy and freedom. I think that clear legislation needs to be in place for this type of technology to protect human rights and prevent violations. There seems to be a risk here that if the technology doesn’t work correctly for example the amazon go may record you have picked up an item and are then charged when leaving the store in error. Will there be technical human support onshore or offshore to handle troubleshooting problems with these types of technology? There are already many problems with current technology already in use and many businesses shifting labor offshore to pay employees lower rates than the current country of the onsite business. A minimum world wage would need to be in place to protect and prevent exploitation. Also is there an age limit to those who can walk into a store and use Amazon go like how there is age limits to purchase knives, spray paint, cigarettes and some select items. What if a child enters and exits the property with an item and doesn’t check out with a QR code are they still charged. Is this mechanism of technology really a preventive to ensure customers cannot steal goods or a convenience and time saver? Could facial recognition be recorded and provided to police? There seems to be many legal issues around technology regarding human rights. A good pod cast to listen to was released here: https://play.acast.com/s/the-wigs/2118613f-c12d-4bfe-9e23-adc800566482
I have to admit, I would really enjoy that too! It might take a while to introduce that to the whole world, however I think if I had the choice to go to an AmazonGo or another grocery store, I’d choose AmazonGo.
The Age of Automation and A Printable World are both relevant the library and information industry. Libraries have always been early adopters of technology and are often ‘trend setters’. If I wanted 3-D printing I would go to a library.
automating fruit picking and harvesting food as it is difficult to find workers during COVID, rather workers can be hard to find and to keep them on board.
I believe Trend 5 – The Triumph of the Tiny, may have the biggest impact. With development in this area, disease may become ‘a thing of the past!!’.
How much money do we currently spend on medication, for the care of people who are sick??
Many services have been developed & staffed to support people, who are sick or recovering from illness??
How will we manage a situation where people live longer??
How will our human systems manage this? Mind boggling!!
Pharmacy/Health – on one hand it is fantastic, if one can get his own medication at home…but how will it be regulated…if people could do their own medication or cosmetic improvements…where does it stop and how can it remain healthy before it turns into unhealthy? With mental health on the rise, people might do terrible things at the spur of the moment without proper support.
I feel the change of the retail world will have the biggest impacts as there are the most jobs and daily life experiences in this category.
Yes, the retail world has already changed. Many job losses BUT…..imagine all the time (as consumers), will gain back in our time banks?? I’m not sure if that is a good thing or not??
I cannot choose which trend will have the biggest impact. They are all quite terrifying. Of course, there are many benefits, but at what cost? I am quite concerned that most will lose their skills and freedoms and simply have no option other than to use the automated devices and services.
A very valid point. We have the potential to have everything done for us…. that where will we be able to contribute and “work” any more?
Agree with you. There already seems to be problems in defaulting services to online. And the biggest issue with this is accessibility and receiving support (particularly when errors or problems arise) with these systems. There is often assumption younger people are able use & access these systems and expectation for older generations to learn and adapt to this new way of life. If people want to use hard copy forms, receive mail, get face to face support and assistance with online systems then there needs to be this accessibility. Groups such as those with a disability, English as second language, elderly and many other individuals and groups may need additional support. But often support services are not available as many business are running on skeleton staff and they don’t have enough time and resources to support the demand of services. Where investment is needed, these needs are left behind and often family, friends and supportive others are expected to support one another as community to mutually aid these groups. I spend many hours on team viewer each month assisting my parents to complete forms as they dont know how to access and use systems like office word, excel, powerpoint, adobe pdf, the ATO, Centrelink, email (outlook, gmall, etc). Support should be available free of charge to support anyone who needs assistance with these services.
Cancer tumours cause death in all age groups and to imagine nano-devices called motes attacking cancerous tumours and bring relief to us humans is profound to think that doctors will be able to enter one’s body using smart dust gives a whole new meaning to medicine in the future.
I have seen beautiful people die from cancerous tumours and have been too young to leave this world. This will have a great impact in the world.
A rethink of retailing i believe will have the biggest impact on society because shopping centres are already becoming congested and areal headache , people are more lazy playing with their phones at home while they search for stuff online with their credit card and buy their takeaway junk food and accumulate kilos in the guise of having more leisure time which is wasted in looking more online.
I agree Ian, this is a viable reality and one which consumers will seek out.
Hardly surprising that on-line ordering has taken hold so quickly!
I anticipate automation as being the most impactful trend. Its applications across so many currently people dominated and staffed industries is profound. This essentially decimates skilled labour workforces across the globe and will likely have a massive impact on the stability of the global economy and distribution of wealth. We as teachers are trying to prepare our students for a world that does not exist yet, the jobs and careers that we prepared for, and the ways we were taught, are no longer relevant.
Well said. There needs to be more support for teachers trying to prepare students for this eventuality.
A rethink of retail certainly in the post covid normal world. Using those retail practices will keep the economy running better.
Industry will welcome with open arms the Rethink on Retail. I admit that at times I get extremely cross with the stores not having enough Check out areas open. Hopwever As time-consuming tasks are reallocated to computers, this means you need fewer staff hours to accomplish the same results so industry will be richer. I always use the Check out Girl – I am keeping her in a job.
Out of the 5 Macro trends I believe automation will have the biggest impact due to the effect it will have on a number of other industries. Insurance, ride share services, automotive industry – production and maintenance. It has the potential to change the way we do things quite dramatically and in quite a short period of time.
True, we are going faster, sooner, and we lost privacy and security, however, we need to ensure that ethics are in place!
Thank you for the heads up for the jobs of tomorrow!
I was thinking the very same thing!! This PD has also reinforced to me, the importance of professional development & ‘moving with the times’…..
Automation I believe will have a huge impact on societies as we have known it because it will affect people’s jobs, livelihoods, sense of identity. This will change the entire fabric of society as we have evolved over centuries to be autonomous and to have a life with a sense of purpose. I believe this may affect the learnt helplessness people face with depression due to relying on a third party to do or fix things for them. Actually doing things with a purpose is good for the soul. The fact that there are 25 million people here in Australia will be searching for work in a job market that will not require their services. The world will somewhat be dehumanised.
After listening to all 5 trends, I am not sure which will have the most direct impact on us. I think it will affect all jobs we have in some way shape or form. We will however re train to adapt to the changes to ensure the world goes on.
This will definitely have an interesting impact on the education sector, with a potentially massive influx of mature aged students looking to retrain or upskill to meet changing industry demands.
Could not agree more
The Age of Automation. Leaving people with more time to do ?
to do? , nothing! with the fact that there are 25 million people here in Australia who will be searching for work in a job market that will not require their services. This will change the entire fabric of society as we have evolved over centuries to be autonomous and to have a life with a sense of purpose. Hope that robot has a lovely smiley voice over
Exactly. We will have more time with fewer skills to do what? Very worrying for future generations.
Think Star Trek Next Generation – there is no need for money, people work toward a common good and betterment of humanity. Although many industries and jobs (as we know them today) will go to robots, many new jobs that we can’t even imagine today will arise. Similarly to how young people today live in a “gig economy” and many, if not all, will never know what it’s like to be in one job for their entire life.
I believe it will be the age of automation. Many processes and systems are already automated with many more to come. All of the macro trends involve automation in some way- transport, building, shopping, nanotechnology, healthcare, manufacturing etc. While this has, and will continue to, reduce the workforce in some industries it will also create opportunities in other areas as people are required to develop the automation.
In my field of Pathology, there has already been a big impact from AI Robotics.
It started with automation of tests by Pathology Autoanalyser’s replacing bench work. The advances of AI controlled Autoanalyser’s has had a major impact on the design of Pathology laboratory design and the workforce. The technical workforce now need engineering skills as well as clinical knowledge.
AI Autoanalyser’s will not only be able to run the test, but could be programmed to make clinical diagnoses and recommend and preform further tests.
This could lead to reduction of the workforce of both technical and clinical workers.
The Triumph of the Tiny has and will have a increasing role in testing diagnosis. the Nanobots can be programmed to collect clinical information and deliver treatment.
Many jobs will be effected. Some will disappear and new ones will be developed. The world of teaching and training will need to be innovative and forward thinking to prepare students for the new world
I find the use of nano-technology in the medical world fascinating. It has the ability to overhaul our current practices and create whole new ways of doing things, supporting patients and revolutionary treatments.
I feel that the age of automation and the triumph of the tiny will have the biggest impact… AI plus nanobots – mind boggling.
Unfortunately not all workers can use their skills in these areas.
Totally agree, I think it is impossible for us to comprehend the changes that are coming. My mind is very boggled 🙂
definitely there will be smart people looking for ways in science to invent technology aimed at achieving great advances in health eg: for good, and also some maybe who will be trying to get inside our lives ,heads, bodies for evil. its a bit scary.
Yes I agree. It is all so overwhelming and not in a positive way.
The age of automation which actually is the mother of all, when things are done, rather than being done, it changes the way how the doers behave. The use of machines makes life easy, but it also makes it difficult. Just thinking of autofill in my computer, or the spell check, suggestions when I am typing. Where does it take me, sometimes is just another direction. Medium is becoming the driver of our thoughts and words.
agree, the driver of a new language as spell checker corrects a word that sent the conversation into a whole new dimension. also, which could also lock out the people of this world with no access to devices
To be completely Honest, I think it will be fairly evenly matched across the 5, I can already easily identify the impact all 5 have had on my life personally.
My biggest area for concern is the combination of automation and the triumph of the Tiny,
those nanobots following AI instructions could pose issues.
Agreed. The plastic monsters crowding the atmosphere, droning around, seeping into the systems, it is just scary, a science fiction nightmare or a dream!
I agree with your comments here. Whilst all 5 will impact us – there are some that pose a “scarier” concept moving forward than others do.
The Age of Automation
Yes I believe it will divide areas – and will leave remote areas at a disadvantage.
I feel that as 3D printing becomes more mainstream within the general populous in the next decade, this will have a huge daily impact on consumer spending, sustainability ,education ,industries and skills. My eight year old came home from school with a variety of 3D shapes which were made in
her year 2 classroom as part of mathematics, so for that cohort, its forming part of their primary learning.
I am fascinated with the application of this technology within the medical field .especially in the development and transplantation of skin .
Yes, I agree, the robot surgery, compounding at home, three d printing, it just seems the stuff dreams or nightmares used to be made of.
And the impact it will have on our working lives, jobs for future, or not that far in future! tremendous! But it will happen and get accepted just as normal, usual for a machine to take our temperature or even give needles, and how would we open our mouth to a dentist, who is a machine!!
Agreed Fiona… amazing to think what can be done in the medical field with this technology.
3D printing could have a major impact within the medical field. Broken shattered bones could be printed and replaced. Imagine being able to print a replacement heart or kidney. What would the material for the printing be? Possibly be cells grown in tissue culture.
I agree, the impact of 3D printing on the retail world is huge. It has the potential to be helpful but my concerns are with the sustainability of the material used to print products. Are we creating more plastics to pollute the world or do other materials exist that are more environmentally friendly?
The shoulder joint is made up of three bones that all together form the joint. These bones are the clavicle, scapula, and humerus. 3D printing has been used to assist in my husbands shoulder replacement two days in hospital and then home and is pain free. This particular operation could not have been done three years ago. Its the future in Medicine
3D printing was just on the news this week. A teenager printed a functioning gun within 2 days and for $40. It has the same power as any police gun…..shocking, scary and that will be the negative side effect of everyone being able to do it from the safety of our homes.
I feel AI creates too much convenience, it is soul less and impersonal, not to mention highly intrusive! If Ai can do what it is doing now with general automation and this is the beginning, will there be any privacy in our lives? People will fear to express themselves honestly because big brother will be listening. We are forced being into this technology, whether you want it or not, so it is limiting people’s choices… This is why they have children Hooked on screens now through general AI, they will be controlled soul less robots to a degree. It make me want to cry
I feel that automation (AI) will have a huge impact – AI will be able to run the 3D printer – we saw in the videos some of the robots have taken over jobs such as customer service etc (those booking appointments were amazing) and will no doubt take over roles such as accounting, tax returns and financial planning, along with surgeries, appointments with doctors etc. and from the clips will be able to improve on themselves (without human intervention). A scary thought as what sort of jobs will our children, grand children and great children be able to do?
What sort of jobs will our children have? it sounds rather soul less to me.. It seems there will be very little interaction with other people, most will be sitting in front of radiated screens… Will there be jobs for the population we have?
I know I’m from the older generation but this is very frightening, there are some conveniences but I feel people will loose the experience of expressing themselves and creating conversation with new people. The soul will be minimised
I really think a printable world will have the biggest impact. I will reduce the need for trades, production and thus reduce companies etc. we will need to rethink the industry
Completely agree, I teach Baking & Patisserie, Chocolate & meringue can already be printed!
As a cook and Commercial Cookery teacher…I’m not sure I like the advent of printable food… where is the feel, touch, smell, see approach to buying and cooking food?
All very interesting (and a little scary)! I believe a printable world is a very near and real change that will make a big impact due to the fact that it will alter so many aspects of living to just about every person and their day to day lives.
I agree, it is a bit creepy for comfort until it becomes a new normal.
All of the trends are very interesting and have a place in the world of tomorrow which will impact a lot of industries. I am moving towards age automation. Schools have not yet changed enough to prepare for the future. Automation is here now and we need to keep up with it.
Moving forward will depend on how schools successfully accept the changes.
I agree Jeanette. I believe schools are struggling to keep up with the advances however, they require the funds to do so.
Nicole I agree – funding is a huge issue at TAFE too.
5 micro trends will shape our future is sessions were fascinating.
Especially, the Printable world was very interesting.
Agreed!
The way the micro technology can assist in the human body is fascinating!
Although all of the trends will impact on our future. I anticipate a printable world will have the biggest impact, because it is something that the normal person will be able to have in their home. It can be used for so much. Not just for the average person but the way it impacts the medical world and construction is just mind blowing.
I totally agree. The way business works and job roles will need to change which means also education and the way we teach students
With all the changes to come, how can teachers, governments make sure a part of society is not left behind. The impact of moving manufacturing jobs overseas created jobs losses. We must plan and create education and training opportunists. What sort of society do we want to leave for generation to come.
It will be very interesting to see how the demise of driving will develop. We have autopilots, landing aircraft better than human beings. We still put a pilot and co pilot in the cockpit.
If self-driving is going to happen, I believe that will be a huge impact that will be seen and experienced by most of us.
Retail has gone through a big change already with online shopping. I do believe there changes mentioned will come and as with self-driving cars, it will have a huge impact because it is obvious for everyone to see and experience.
The triumph of the tiny will have a huge impact as it will change so much but may not be experienced by the bigger public as obvious as self-driving cars and retail.
Materials will be stronger but lighter, improvement of efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar panels or batteries, medicine, environment, textiles and electronics are all changed and keep changing by nanotechnology but will it be visible for everyone?
A printable world and the triumph of the tiny will have the biggest impact because the age of automation, demise of driving and re-think of retail are “old-fashioned” due to in the process of realisation and happening and commerce-driven, while 3-D printing and nano technology will benefit productivity and health.
Agree
I believe the age of automation is impacting not only the present but also the future specially in reference to teaching & learning as both the educators as well as the leaners have to keep abreast with technology. The pace of the automation that is happening requires knowledge & skills that are imperative for future employment and well being so as to be a valued member of society.
Printable trend, would have a life changing trend for countries that are presently facing issues with growing food due to the impact of climate change.
Well expressed, especially in regard to correlation between automation and teaching and leaning aspects
Romi, I totally agree with what you have said that age automation impacts both the present and the future. well expressed.
Hi Romi
I agree – AI is certainly moving forward at a quick pace and at the rate it is developing I believe many teachers won’t be needed moving forward as AI will be able to provide the information to the student s- particularly with Artificial Super Intelligence
A printable world was interesting. There are a lot of great insights in these sessions
Although there are great insights to the various trends as discussed by other colleagues there is also the fear of change that is happening to fast & the fear of how will one cope with these trends.
agree, are we ready for all these changes, are we protected from all these changes, do we have regulations in place when things go wrong?
Agree.
Yes I worry where this will leave our future generations. Will they need to use learnt skills or will technology take over as AI develops
The Age of Automation and-Think of Retail can shape the near future, considering many countries where the majority of people are quite deprived of the advantages of the digital world.
Yes, I agree. However, will these countries have access to these new technologies or be left behind?
The countries leaders have to have Technology enablers as one of their main agenda items and work creatively to get their countries comfortable with technology!
The age of automation will be big in the future. Not only will it be big in all work places, and a lot of employment lost but also in every individuals every day life.