What does the digital
TECHNOLOGY is changing everything – fast. As we settle into 2019, we ask what the new year will hold for Guernsey and how our very special island can thrive in a digital world.
Last year, technologies such as Artificial Intelligence featured regularly in the headlines – the positives and negatives of this powerful technology were mooted endlessly. Seemingly, AI is behind the technologies that make our lives easier (think personal assistants such as Alexa and Siri) but has the potential to eradicate jobs (will we be replaced by the ’bots?) leaving us all unsure whether to love it or loathe it. Driverless cars progressed from concept to reality, and the ongoing proliferation of social media and increasing risk of cyber-attacks became real talking points for us all, to name but a few of the big trends in 2018.
Sigma is a local technology company and has been working throughout the Channel Islands and Isle of Man for over five decades. We believe we are well-placed to offer some tips to the islanders of Guernsey when it comes to understanding technology’s place in transforming our future, working alongside our global technology partner, Fujitsu.
Here’s a summary of the top 10 areas where technology will continue to make its mark in 2019:
Technology can connect people and communities, wherever they are, via the internet’s immense power – audio and video conferencing allow us to collaborate – regardless of traditional boundaries.
Technology has the potential to support medical diagnosis and treatment. It also allows people to stay in their homes for longer, living independent lives by ensuring they are connected.
In education, technology is already transforming the classroom, with virtual reality enabling students to learn in a much more immersive and realistic way. Videoconferencing is connecting people all over the world to develop language skills interactively – just two examples of real progress.
In the workplace, technology is already helping businesses to become more efficient by automating many of the routine tasks in everyday jobs, removing unnecessary manual effort and liberating people to carry out more fulfilling roles.
Encouraging young people to embrace STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – subjects from an early age is essential to future-proofing the economy; this will ensure they are workplace-ready when the time comes.
Partnerships and relationships are the key to success in business. Sigma has proudly worked with Fujitsu, a global technology company, for over 20 years. In a digital world, we need to look beyond traditional boundaries to uncover previously untapped sources of economic growth and engage with partners who have complementary skills and expertise.
Digitalisation of public services will create empowered and satisfied citizens; citizens expect public services to be delivered consumer-style - online, 24/7.
As business becomes increasingly globalised and ever-more connected, embracing diversity of thought, opinion and experience is essential for future growth and success – there is compelling evidence that diverse teams perform better.
By 2020 it is estimated that 1.5m.new jobs will be created globally, as a result of digitalisation. We must not limit our children’s horizons to ‘known’ professions, but allow them to develop flexible skills that will allow them to embark on careers that don’t even exist yet.
Finally, let’s dispel the myth that technology erodes creativity – far from it. Deployed creatively and thoughtfully, technology has the potential to open new opportunities to be more creative – because people are not bogged down by old tools and processes. Technology allows us to free up brainpower to focus on innovation – and that’s where we really will see Guernsey thrive.
Combining the local knowledge and expertise of Sigma with the global scale and capability of Fujitsu means that together, we can bring the best technologies to Guernsey. We believe this will allow Guernsey to unlock a world of opportunity – today, tomorrow and beyond. Sigma has been delivering technology solutions for over 50 years to the States of Guernsey, and for 20 with Fujitsu, and together we look forward to creating a digital future for the island.
n Visit opportunity.gg to find out more.
