The first years of modern technology were ground-breaking in their own way but, back then, nobody knew just how revolutionary these basic steps were going to be for the economy. To begin with, a single computer would require huge hardware in order to complete the simplest of tasks, computer scientists like Charles Babbage – inventor of the first mechanical computer – were the only ones who really knew how to work the technology.
Just like the three ghosts visited Scrooge on Christmas Eve, we’re about the visit the technology industry and review their past, analyse their present and predict the future.
Past
The first years of modern technology were ground-breaking in their own way but, back then, nobody knew just how revolutionary these basic steps were going to be for the economy. To begin with, a single computer would require huge hardware in order to complete the simplest of tasks, computer scientists like Charles Babbage – inventor of the first mechanical computer – were the only ones who really knew how to work the technology.
The idea of the internet wasn’t actually all that new by the time it was created, now-famous inventor, Nikola Tesla actually toyed with the idea of a world wireless system back in the early 1900s. From there, various technology pioneers and engineers worked on the theory to make it into a reality and in 1989, with the help of Tim Berners-Lee, the internet took its first recognisable form – the World Wide Web.
As computing and software has developed the technology industry became more relevant across other sectors and cross overs began to form. Instead of manual labour on factory lines, machines came along which improved their processes. Equally, computers became more commercialised and businesses and larger corporations started to see how they could be utilised in order to help or create new business.
Present
Over the years, technology has continued to develop, and it’s now fully integrated into our everyday life and Big Tech leading the business market. In the first days of the internet, no one could have predicted that it would have evolved to the point it is now. Technology giants range from hardware to software, with companies like Facebook, Apple, Microsoft and Google at the very centre of the average human’s life.
What we have seen over recent years and especially in the past 12 months is how modernisation due to innovative technologies are affecting the current workforce. There are varied predictions on what will happen to the jobs of the future and companies are currently busy preparing themselves for the potential restructuring that is just around the corner.
Of course, there have also been new jobs created by technology, so businesses are now focusing on the skills the next generation needs in order to meet the new standards of work the will soon be implemented. This is the tech industry’s opportunity to use the closure of their skills gap to also help attract new and diverse talent. A prime example of how this is already being approached is the various competitions and schemes that are being offered to the younger generation like the Ultimate STEM Challenge and CISCO Little Big Figures.
Future
The future is certainly looking promising for technology and even though statistics have shown that 30 per cent of jobs across the UK could be at risk because of automation, it’s important to note that when basic technology was introduced into the business world, people weren’t unemployed, their jobs just evolved.
What we expect to see in the near future is a huge focus on technology skills being introduced from a young age and the workforce to have opportunities to upskill in preparation for the technological takeover. In addition to this, innovative technologies will continue to be introduced to help tackle other factors of society that need to be addressed. A prime example of this is the increase in environmental technology. Not only will the creation of this technology bring new jobs across the globe but it’s equally helping the world around us.
In 2020, and the years after, technology will continue to rise in popularity and the opportunities that come along with it grow in unison. If the past, present and future of technology is anything to reflect on, it’s just how much a single element can revolutionise every industry within the global economy. Workers should look to this and feel motivated to improve upon their technological skills as the future is certainly looking technical.
We place tech experts in the UK and across Europe. When you’re ready to talk about your next move, get in touch.
