Disruptive technologies in Australia
Introduction
In the recent years, the world over has realized tremendous changes in relation to technology. Newer models of tools and devices are being developed by the scientists around the word with the goal of revolutionizing the way human beings live. Lives are being saved, and work is becoming easier with every single day that passes. Technology and innovation have ingrained themselves within the fabric of society in a way that was unimaginable in the last few decades. Transportation, communication, medicine, art and war have all been influenced by the changing dynamics of technology. The globalization of the world into a unitary village has further fueled the ability to spread ideas and enhanced technological advancement.
However, for many a society, the change has been unprecedented and unprepared for. The impact and influence and technology on the daily levity have been criticized and celebrated in equal measure. For the technological enthusiast, such change has been seen as great strides toward a world of pseudo-science. However, for many people, he changes have been nothing but a threat to their way of life.
The focus of this summative essay is on the analysis of the concept of disruptive technology, and the relative impact it has had on the society (Christensen, Raynor, Dyer and Gregersen, 2011, p.77). The discussion will cover the Australian perspective of disruptive technology and the regulation models that have been put in place to deal with the growing phenomenon.
The Concept of Disruptive Technology
Change is often an unwelcome experience for most people. A shift from the conventional way of doing things brings about a feeling of disease that most people are not ready to deal with. The advancement of the society has been characterized by innumerable drastic changes that have forced man to rethink and reinvent his way of life. From the agrarian revolution to the industrial revolution, the society has had to undergo uncomfortable patches to be where it is today.
The feelings of discomfort that arise when change is imminent accrue from the fact that the very fabric that holds the society tends to be altered greatly (Eversole, 2015, p. 104). The technological revolution that continues to simmer in has been looked at as a threat for a variety of reasons. It is from the notion of disruption of the societal norms that the idea of disruptive technology was developed.
The potential loss of jobs, loss of livelihoods, formation of new social systems and a possible overhaul of the entire society as it is known to have been summed up into the idea of disruption from technological advancement. The disruption of technology can be looked at as the deviation from the existing and established social and economic structures.
For many people, the concept of disruptive technology is looked at as the development of a certain technology to solve an existing problem within the society (John, Lloyd and Mead, 2001, pp.88). In essence, however, disruptive technology encapsulates the development of innovations that pose a threat to the existing status quo. The application of these technologies brings about radical changes within the society and world of business.
It is crucial for disruptive technology to be viewed as evolutionary rather than being revolutionary. This arises from the fact that it tends to redefine the markets through new forms of business models and new ways of using technology. At the center of the drastic changes of innovation, Australia is uniquely placed to maximally benefit from the disruption. Up to seventy percent of the Australian economy comprises of service based economies. This means that it stands at both greatest opportunity and threat in equal measure (Hyland and Beckett, 2005, p.340). The seventy percent mark also encapsulates the degree of employment that is dependent on that particular sector.
For Australia, therefore, the greatest dilemma lies in making the decision to utilize and leverage on technology while risking the livelihood of millions of people. Another major contributor to Australia’s unique positioning in the disruptive technology world is its high rate of internet penetration that leaves it vulnerable to new market entrants. The global effect has also played a major role in shaping the regulatory framework of Australia to protect it against digital traverses.
Digital and technological innovations in the recent years have continually transcended the traditional boundaries of region, politics or economy (Moschella, Neal, Opperman and Taylor, 2004, p. 152). This means that for Australia, which is in close proximity to Asia (a technological giant in every way), great challenge and competition is expected to spread from that part of the world.
Australian Regulatory Framework
While the benefits of the advancement of technology have been noted and well documented, the negative attributes have been more appalling for a majority of the society. The resultant changes that are expected have been looked at as scary and have thus resulted in an uproar within the society. For many nations, like Australia, the change has been received with mixed reactions.
A number of regulations have been developed to help deal with the changes within the technological realm (Downes and Nunes, 2014, p. 31). A great deal of tension has been generated between technological advancement and regulatory frameworks. The pace of change that has been realized so far has played a great role in shaping the regulations on technology.
For most of the innovations that are yet to be released for use by the public, the main reason has been because of regulations and laws. Collision between laws and technological advancement has been a major impediment to the advancement of technology. Most of the laws tend to be focused on maintaining the normalcy of things as they are.
However, a critical analysis for many of Australian regulations has been aimed at minimizing and preventing competition. The efficiency and effectiveness of technology has endeared it among many sectors of the society and economy. For industries, health, transportation and communication, technology has been a priceless alternative to human effort and energy (Lucas, 2012, p. 99).
Uber has been one of the most controversial innovations in the last five years. It has managed to create changes within the transportation sector that were unimaginable in the last decade. Uber is an app that connects taxi drivers and customers through the use of the internet and smartphones. It leverages on proximity of a user and taxi driver to allow for cheaper costs and convenience.
Unlike the traditional taxi, Uber requires minimal regulation in relation to transport authority regulations. As a matter of fact, the only requirement for engaging in the business is a smartphone and car. In comparison, the conventional taxis require licensing and regulation.
The Australian workforce remains as one of the greatest looser in the disruptive technology war. The aspect of automation threatens to supplant a significant proportion of the job opportunities in Australia. Systems based on artificial intelligence and robotics are expected to take over most of the jobs in Australia in a span of twenty years. Such a move would be astronomical resulting in changes in population distribution (Hedberg, 2006, p. 174).
While many of the policies are aimed at minimizing the impacts of disruptive technology on the society, a shift in thinking should be effected to allow for transformation and evolution by embracing the changes in technology. The regulation should be redirected from impeding the use of innovation to the transformation of the workforce.
Integration approaches within the education system should be explored to ensure that new skills are developed and better links fostered within the system. The fear of robots taking over cannot be reduced or averted by developing regulations that hinder innovation, but by re-profiling job roles and harnessing technical knowledge.
The same fear that was exhibited as the society changed from an agrarian based system to one that was fully industrialized can be noted in the contemporary society (Langford, 2015, p.32). Another instrumental recommendation regarding the regulatory framework of Australia would be prioritizing digital literacy at all levels of schooling.
This approach will allow for the enhancement of the learning experience as well as the honing of analytical skills that are increasingly important in a dynamic and technological world. Clear regulatory frameworks regarding disruptive innovations in Australia are yet to be realized. The main challenge is the rate and pace of change that the innovations are being developed (Turpin, 2002, p.132). Most of the innovations are yet to be fully understood and comprehended.
The AirBnB, for instance, which is one of the largest market share holder in the hospitality industry, operates all over the world with the absence of any chain or physical investment. For regulations and legal exploits to be established in such a market, a degree of control would first have to be established (Louie, 2010, p. 58). A common factor with most of the disruptive innovations is their ability to transcend geographic boundaries; this creates a barrier and complexity in relation to developing legally binding policies and legislations.
Conclusion
Economic, social and environmental benefits as well as the costs of disruptive technology have to be anticipated and prepared for in the contemporary world. For one, it is essential to realize that technological change and revolution is imminent and will continue to unfold regardless of the resistance that it receives.
The opposition that is being directed towards the changes in technology is more of a misplaced priority. Instead, time and resources should be invested in minimizing the negative impacts of technology and enhancing its benefits. Newer and far much greater opportunities can be expected from the enhancement of technology and through embracing innovation. The outcry for the loss of jobs through automation can be countered by the creation of previously non-existent income generating activities such as AirBnB.
The greatest challenge for the Australian government and many other countries around the world lies in creating a social and business environment that will not only accommodate, but also nurture disruptive technologies.
References
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Moschella, D., Neal, D., Opperman, P. and Taylor, J. (2004). The ‘consumerization’of information technology. 1st ed. [ebook] CSC'S Research and Advisory Services, pp.1-20. Available at: http://thoughts.dinkincc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/consumerisation.pdf [Accessed 8 May 2016].
Turpin, T., 2002. Innovation, technology policy and regional development evidence from China and Australia. Cheltenham, UK, Edward Elgar.
