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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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