Tech Trends in Practice

Introduction

We have never lived in a time of faster and more transformative technological innovation. Incredible technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchains, smart robots, self-driving cars, 3D printing, and advanced genomics, together with the other tech trends covered in this book, have ushered in a new industrial revolution. Similarly to how steam, electricity, and computers have respectively been the driving forces of the first three industrial revolutions, this fourth industrial revolution is driven by the 25 technologies featured in this book. And as with the previous industrial revolutions, this fourth industrial revolution will change businesses, reshape business models, and transform entire industries. These technologies will change how we run our businesses, what jobs we will do, and many other aspects of how we function as a society.

For most leaders it can be very challenging to keep up with the speed at which many of these new technologies are emerging. As a futurist and strategic advisor to many of the most innovative companies and governments in the world, it is my job to help leadership teams understand and prepare for the impact of these technologies. With this book, I want to provide an easy-to-understand, state-of-the-art overview of the key technologies underpinning this fourth industrial revolution and outline how they are practically used by businesses today, as well as provide some tips on how to best prepare yourself and your organization ...