Chapter 2 - Technology & Uncertainty
Technology is ubiquitous in our world and a relentless driver of change. We use devices and systems that were recently the stuff of science fiction, and industries promise even more world-changing tools and capabilities. In an era of relentless, accelerating change, technology is an essential tool for dealing with uncertainty and complexity. It’s also a major cause of uncertainty and complexity.
Technology & Uncertainty - Components:
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Introduction
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Start with HOW: Using the Technology Innovation Circle to Reduce Digital Uncertainty (Farid Mheir)
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Digital Transformation’s 2 Key Levers: Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence (Gordon Withrow)
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Social Architecture for the Hyperconnected World (Kheeran Dharmawardena)
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Chapter Conclusion
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Five Highlights from Technology and Uncertainty:
Reduce the Element of Surprise of Disruption by the Technology Innovation Circle
We developed a "Start with How" circular model by advocating for closely monitoring the evolution of core digital technologies in products as the key to minimizing the risk of “digital surprise” or “unforeseen revolution” through string understanding of products, features and underlying technologies.
Dual Channel, Executive and Tech Product Leaders' Approaches to Uncertainty
We empathized on the customer challenges with uncertainty and leaders that needed to make decisions with imperfect fluency on tech and tech leaders that needed to build solutions with imperfect awareness on strategy, customers needs and future expectations.
A Cloud Transformation and AI One-Two Punch for Digital Transformation
We opened up the lens to the movement of many legacy systems and business processes to recently ubiquitous capabilities such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, just-in-time supply chain integration, and design thinking-led process reengineering.
Social Tech-Enabled Architecture for a Hyperconnected World
We exposed the deliberate design and coordination of social interactions and relationships to achieve specific goals for the 21st century, We emphasized and illustrated the importance of making social architecture even more critical in governing the resulting complex social systems.
Navigating Eight Types of Behaviour in a Complex System
We listed the eight behaviours that coexist within a hyperconnected complex system. We displayed the importance of interactions with one another and being influenced by the context in which they occur. We noted these behaviors play a critical role in shaping the dynamics of the system.
TECHNOLOGY AND UNCERTAINTY
We focused on computer and information technologies in this chapter because of their universal impact on organizations and response to uncertainty, but it’s important to remember that technological change reaches far beyond these fields.
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Whenever human ingenuity leads to tools and processes, that is technology, and it has the potential to change the world again and again.
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Technology can act as an uncertainity paradox, both as a powerful enabler, as well as a source of new uncertainties and complexities. When delaing with innovation, tech invariably creates knock-on effects that introduce new sources of complexity.
Early adopters and enthusiasts have a tendency to overstate the nearness and significance of their favored technologies. A more reasoned approach will serve you better than a headlong rush into the latest fashionable technology.
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Technology & Uncertainty Inspiration and Call to Actions:
“Technology is founded on the pillars of uncertainty. Every time we invent or configure something novel, surprising or useful, the awe and newfound capacity comes with the realization that we were slow, incorrect or underwhelming beforehand.”
Get immersed in technology uncertainty. Let us know what you think.
Burning question? Bulk sales? Follow up interest? Connect with the authors? Interview with contributor? Want to get involved in our next publication? When nothing is certain, anything and everything is possible.
