What Is Next Big Thing in Technology? Developing SADC Through ICT

The Next Big Thing in Technology Brief Background Major Punctuations in the Evolutionary Path Characteristics of Tech Evolution Emerging Technologies Conclusion Developing SADC Through ICT

Developing SADC Through ICT Brief Background Technology refers to methods in the range of language, stone tools and information technology There exists a positive correlation between technology and history of science and economic history Technology is an applied science Technology uses resources Technology affects society (positively and negatively) and traditional norms It is the force for economic growth It is a means to project and develop wealth Developing SADC Through ICT

Brief Background (cont..) Primary factor driving the development of human civilization Technological evolution in a bigger picture; Stone age Iron age Industrial Revolution First Industrial Revolution Second Industrial Revolution Third Industrial Revolution Fourth Industrial Revolution Developing SADC Through ICT

Brief Background (cont..) The short timelines of the turning points clearly reveals the constant acceleration of change The speed & nature of technological change cause acceleration of social evolution, which in turn requires; Systematic adaptation of societies Enormous responsibility from decision makers and leaders of societies & institutions Guiding ideas; Moore’s law Gilders’s law Metcalfe’s law Proliferation of web pages Developing SADC Through ICT

Major Punctuations (Advances) 21st century: an era of colossal technological advances Bluetooth (2000) Skype (2003) Facebook (2004) iPhone (2007) IBM Watson (2010) All at the heart of communication technology, and a bid to connect more. Developing SADC Through ICT

Characteristics of Tech Evolution Time between tech innovations is shorter in this age than previous ages of social development New innovations come with ever increasing capacity (storage & processing) Convergence is phenomenal, both at physical (devices & networks) level and non-physical (databases, communication channels) level Tech innovations become part of our daily activities – purchases on the internet, electronic communication, online financial transactions. Sophisticated in terms of; software & hardware; capital requirements; and human capital requirements They address socio-economic gaps. Developing SADC Through ICT

Emerging Technologies Robotics & Automation IoT (Internet of Things) 3D printing & manufacturing Driverless cars Wearable Internet Blockchain Big Data AI (Artificial Intelligence) Developing SADC Through ICT

Emerging Technologies (cont..) Blockchain Transfers data securely and fast Saves business time Perceived as a platform of positive and radical change; Close development gaps Foster social inclusion Promote democratic governance Blockchain test cases; Shipping companies (Maersk): tracking movement of cargos from port to port Walmart: tracking the whole journey of their products before reaching a store shelf Dubia will be Blockchain city by 2020 Blockchain & 5G enabled IoT will redefine supply chains Developing SADC Through ICT

Emerging Technologies (cont..) New technologies like IoT necessitate that telecom providers realign their business strategies & restructure themselves as per the cloud era in terms of operations and networks Becoming an IoT connectivity service provider & offering machine-to- machine connectivity can open up new stream of revenues; Smart home Smart cities Connected cars, etc. Developing SADC Through ICT

Developing SADC Through ICT Conclusion Blockchain has the potential to be for value, what the internet is for information. Plausible applications of Blockchain for Communication Services Providers; Fraud Management Data Management 5G enablement (to realize the promise of ubiquitous access) Secure IoT connectivity To avoid disruptive surprises and missed opportunities. Developing SADC Through ICT