In our era, technology may seem like the sole spokesperson for change and innovation, but it is we people who must direct the course of the world and its systems. In the end, behind technology, there are always people, at least, until now.
The Internet accessibility and the technology developed from it, have dramatically changed the world, creating conditions for everyone to connect and interact. This technological progress has given us access to many tools and forms of communication.
Access to technology, from the simple to the sophisticated, provides the innovative spirit, in which, with the right conditions can push technology further. The opportunity for every person and organization to use technology empowers us to reimagine and redefine jobs and industries that can help us thrive mentally, physically, and financially as communities. To achieve this, having access to it is vital, the global situation we currently live in makes it more evident than ever.
Companies’ technological democratization
Companies’ operation technological demand, from product development, commercial launches, manufacturing, supply chain, customer service, etc. require technologies to adapt to fast-moving markets. This suggests pressure towards adaptation and competitiveness.
Democratizing technology implies the need to have broad access to knowledge and opportunities, as well as commercial tools that enhance the business without the need for extensive or expensive training. This aiming to balance competitiveness through digitization and business models rethinking of non-digital companies.
Democratization is key for companies that need to catch up with changes in the sector so that they can navigate uncertainty and transcend changes in the market.
Here an example of how 3D printing can democratize metals additive manufacturing production:
Democratization of technology and new ways of working
Considering this trend in a broader sense, the impact of technology on human nature and society is at least as strong as the influence of the state or culture. This triggers a social agenda where the digital worker must be integrated into labour and social movements.
What we are experiencing that the work transformation goes far beyond automation and digitization, we are facing the emergence of a new digital workforce. Where every day, more and more people are improving their level of digital literacy and getting opportunities for technology-focused activities.
Sometimes this change in the way of working and professional tasks as we know them creates fear in people and companies, thinking that innovation is unattainable and explosive and that this has the power to make human tasks obsolete.
On the contrary, technology development and democratization should serve society and help everyone to participate in public and commercial processes. Under these conditions, technology will not only benefit the select few, but it will also become a tool available to society and as a platform for equal opportunities.
You must know that there is an adaptation period, where investment in training and learning is essential. Where it is vital not to empower denial or resistance to change. Instead, promote planning and the application of technology-centered on people for their development and adaptation.
Data-Driven Recruiting. A podcast episode about education democratization and the impact it is having on recruitment.
Democratization of technology and society
The democratization of technology is not simply a socio-economic phenomenon, it is also a socio-political one. One could argue whether it is the society that has a crucial effect on technology development today or whether it is technology that is shaping social development. The fact is that the world is undergoing a transformation, and society must focus on defining and adapting the course of technological change to achieve balanced development and a sustainable future for all.
Increasing digital literacy allows a substantial expansion of the public’s ability to participate in political processes and ensure government transparency. This is particularly relevant now, given the endemic decline in governments’ trust. The dissemination of false news, the lack of transparency in activities carried out for political campaigns, etc. have not been of much help.
Therefore, the democratization of technology requires special attention when it comes to continually building and fine-tuning trilateral links and partnerships between all citizens, society, and state. Where social responsibility is a key factor, coupled with companies that develop and offer democratized technological products.
Society is the compass that can balance the positive and negative potential of digital transformation. So, it is important to pay attention to current and prospective processes to curb the negative effects and ensure the entire society’s sustainable and positive development.
OpenAirInterface: 5G software alliance to democratize wireless innovation
Change is happening and it is necessary to recognize that there is always an adoption and adaptation period. Remember when payment systems and numerous non-cash payment technologies used to scare the public, but eventually came in handy and became commonly used. Much indeed remains to be done. Let us not forget that any phenomenon can be omnipresent and ambiguous in its effects. Technological development can do us good or bad. What digital technology offers to the current situation is scalability and tool availability. This today, and in the long term, can give us flexibility and freedom, as well as new knowledge and opportunities.