Emerging Technologies

Many executives believe their organizations preparations make them ready for the multiple technologies that are emerging at this time.  However, some management consultants are asking if these organizations are overestimating their readiness.  In fact, one survey determined that 42 percent of senior executives asked do not even classify disruptive technologies as a threat.  One of the biggest challenges when addressing these technologies is preparing the workforce.  The preparation goes well beyond the IT department and new business processes.  Arguably, reskilling the workforce is the most time consuming part of addressing disruption.  It is clear an adaptive, agile workforce is essential to address the disruption that has begun to impact virtually every industry.  Failing to integrate reskilling and creating that adaptive agile workforce into the program and project plans when adopting or responding to any of these emerging technologies could easily prove to be a fatal flaw.

Smart cities, building and homes just got a big kick.   Conductive paint!  The conductive paint transforms a traditional wall or surface into a giant sensor or touchscreen.  This interactive surface basically makes ‘smart’ – cities, buildings, homes and perhaps even roadways much more subtle and affordable.  CMU suggests the cost is about "$20 per square meter." 

https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2018/april/paint-transforms-walls-into-sensors.html

In late April 2018, over 70 countries made a commitment to increase their efforts in the fight terrorism financing tied to the Islamic State group and al-Qaida.  No mention was made of cryptocurrencies.  While the majority of terrorist financing uses traditional currencies and methods that include Hawala system and traditional cash an often informal and cash-based money transfer mechanism, one has to wonder if any effort to go after terrorist financing could be effective without addressing their use of cryptocurrencies.  In August of last year, the Council on Foreign Relations said that cryptocurrencies are gaining traction as a source of funding for terrorist groups.  Will this lead to additional regulations and laws covering cryptocurrencies?

STAT:  Current value of the 1,587 different cryptocurrencies exceeds $430 billion in USD value.

A new announcement -  3-D printing of electronics and cells directly on human skin.

The functional printing of electronic circuits right on human skin via a 3D printer.  This is truly an a groundbreaking advancement in 3D printing and electronics technology.  It could be applied to the electronic battlefield, injured soldiers and others.

LINK: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180425131914.htm 

Analysis by a management consulting firm of small businesses within the United States and their movement to become digital has some surprising results.  The analysis indicated that small businesses that embraced digital technology recognized some great benefits including.

• They had about 2 times the revenue per employee.
• They had revenue growth of nearly 4 times that of the previous year.
• They were nearly 3 times more likely to create jobs over the previous year.

Those are some impressive stats.  However, that same report stated that nearly 80 percent of small businesses in the United States still fail to take full advantage of moving to digital.  One has to question the logic of most small businesses in the U.S. not being digitally engaged.  One has to wonder, why is that??????