Signals from the future:
Emerging trends that are likely to drive changes to the way we live, work and do business.
- Scientists Preparing to Turn on Computer Intended to Simulate Entire Human Brain - Futurism - Scientists are developing a supercomputer that simulates neural networks at the scale of the human brain, providing valuable insights and advancing brain-scale computing applications.
- Behaviour as a prompt: Why AI’s ability to anticipate will change business forever - Campaign Asia - AI can transform businesses by predicting customer needs, reducing friction, and investing in people and AI is crucial for exponential growth.
- In pigs, researchers show ultrasound could be used for 3D printing inside the body - STAT - New 3D printer uses ultrasound to print biomaterials inside organs, enabling minimally invasive manufacturing of medical devices and engineered tissue.
- Tesla teases its Optimus 2 robot with better features and performance - Stack Diary - Tesla unveils Optimus Gen 2 humanoid robot with improved design, agility, and tactile sensing for real-world tasks.
- Get Ready for More Transparent Sustainability Reporting - MIT Sloan Management Review - Mandatory sustainability reporting is becoming the norm, providing visibility into risk and long-term success for companies. Investors value sustainability for resilience and growth.
- Army Lays Out Plans for Robotic Combat Vehicles - Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth said the service is kicking off a new human-machine integrated formations initiative. - r/Futurology - The U.S. Army is integrating robotic combat vehicles (RCVs) into formations, with prototypes from HDT, General Dynamics, Oshkosh Defense, and Textron Systems. Key insights include improved mobility, versatility, and situational awareness to enhance land forces and support multi-domain operations.
- Australia needs to talk more openly about offensive cyber operations - The Strategist - Key Insight: Australia's cybersecurity strategy needs to include offensive cyber operations, but decisions need to be made carefully to avoid unintended consequences. Developing a public offensive cyber doctrine is crucial.
- Frozen methane under the seabed is thawing as oceans warm – and things are worse than we thought - r/Futurology - New research shows that more methane hydrate is at risk of melting due to climate change, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and potential climate impacts.
- Companies are broadening their commitments to nature beyond carbon - McKinsey - Companies are increasingly focusing on nature and natural capital, with commitments and targets across dimensions like water, biodiversity, and plastics. Progress is limited and varies by industry and region, but there is a growing interest in the role of business in conservation.
Focus Issue:
Neurotechnology, a field that connects human brains to computers through devices with dry electrodes, is becoming more advanced and widely available. The global market for neurotech is growing at a compound annual rate of 12% and is expected to reach $21 billion by 2026. The implications of using neurotech devices in the workplace are vast and varied, with potential benefits and risks that companies must carefully balance.
Companies like InnerEye and Emotiv are leading the charge in the neurotech field, aiming to improve workers' abilities and happiness through brain-tracking wearables. The technology behind these devices, electroencephalography (EEG), has become more accessible to consumers due to advancements in artificial intelligence and the development of "dry" electrodes. However, the use of neurotechnology in the workplace raises ethical concerns about privacy, autonomy, and potential discrimination.
There's a growing emphasis on incorporating neuroscience into workplace wellness programs. Mental health programs that do not consider the science behind brain health may not be effective and could even be detrimental to employees. Modern neuroinformatics-based programs allow employees to measure and manage their own brain health using technology. For example, machine learning-based neurotechnology apps can recognize objective cues of distraction or stress and prompt employees to take a break. This helps prevent long-term impacts of chronic stress and overwork.
Interestingly, the Law Society of England and Wales has published a report discussing the potential use of neural technology in the legal profession. This technology could potentially be used to bill lawyers based on their attention rather than the number of hours worked. There are potential benefits to using neural attention monitoring, such as improving health and safety, preventing accidents, and enhancing performance in various fields. However, there are also concerns, such as increased surveillance and the potential use of performance-enhancing drugs.
On the flip side, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in UK warns that emerging neurotechnologies pose a risk of discrimination if they are not developed and used correctly. Neurodivergent people are particularly at risk of discrimination from systems and databases trained on neuronormative patterns. The ICO is developing guidance for developers of neurotech to address these concerns and promote fair and inclusive use of the technology.
Finally, the use of neurotechnologies for surveillance in the workplace is a topic of increasing discussion. While these devices can enhance safety, they raise concerns about privacy and data validity. The lack of legal protections and power imbalance exacerbate these concerns. Essentially there are three key ethical issues: an increasing power imbalance in the employment relationship, a threat to employees' privacy, and the risk of neurodiscrimination. There certainly is further need to better understand this emerging technology, how it will impact workers, and what are we comfortable with as a society.
Consider these strategic insights:
- Adopt Neurotech with Caution: While neurotechnology can potentially improve productivity and employee well-being, Australian businesses must navigate ethical considerations, balancing the benefits against risks related to privacy, autonomy, and discrimination.
- Develop Inclusive Practices: To prevent discrimination, particularly against neurodivergent individuals, businesses should ensure neurotech is developed and applied in a way that accommodates diverse neurotypes and avoids bias in systems trained on neuronormative patterns.
- Incorporate into Wellness Programs: Australian businesses should consider integrating neurotechnology into wellness programs thoughtfully, using neuroinformatics to create personalised, proactive support for brain health and to manage stress effectively.
- Engage with Legal Frameworks: It's crucial for businesses to stay informed and involved in the development of international regulations and legal standards surrounding neurotech to protect workers' rights and establish clear boundaries for its use.
- Prepare for Future Developments: As neurotechnology is poised to grow significantly, Australian businesses should be proactive in exploring its applications while preparing for the implications on billing practices, performance enhancement, and workplace surveillance.
Deep strategy:
Longer form articles rich with insights:
- How the most recent AI wave affects jobs - LSE Business Review - AI is impacting creative occupations, leading to job displacement and concerns about biases. Education and upskilling are necessary to adapt and ensure diversity.
- What matters most? Eight CEO priorities for 2024 - McKinsey & Company - Key Insight: McKinsey outlines eight priorities for CEOs in 2024, including scaling generative AI, rewiring organisations for digital transformation, and investing in the energy transition.
Business at the point of impact:
Emerging issues and technology trends can change the way we work and do business.
- Executives from Workday, Snowflake, Adobe, and Credo AI share the top strategies for success-and the mistakes to avoid-when integrating AI into your business - Fortune - Executives stress the importance of involving various departments, aligning AI efforts with customer needs, using high-quality data, and setting realistic expectations for successful AI integration.
- Tech Supremacy — The U.S. and the Future of Global Power - Artificial Intelligence on Medium - The United States has created a new office to harness critical technologies and maintain national security and economic leadership.
- Beating The Talent Crunch: How AI Can Redefine Your People Strategy - Forbes - AI has the potential to address the talent shortage by making roles more attractive, streamlining recruitment, and investing in AI-related skills.
- Human-centered AI: The power of putting people first - McKinsey & Company - Human-centered AI has the potential to revolutionize the workplace, improve performance, and prioritize employee well-being and empowerment.
- AI-Enhanced Employee Onboarding: A New Era In HR Practices - Forbes - AI-powered onboarding improves engagement, retention, and company image by automating tasks, personalizing the experience, and leveraging data. The metaverse enhances virtual onboarding.
- Automated System Guides Users on When to Collaborate with an AI Assistant - r/Futurology - Automated system developed to guide collaboration between humans and AI, resulting in improved accuracy and potential impacts on medical education and other fields.
- SEC Chair Warns AI "Herding" Could Drive Markets "Off an Inadvertent Cliff" - Futurism - AI's increasing role in finance could create a "herding effect" and monoculture, potentially leading to market instability and conflicts of interest.
- The surprising connection between after-hours work and decreased productivity - Slack - Key Insight: Structuring the workday with breaks, focus time, and time management strategies can maximise productivity and employee well-being for desk workers.
- AI Is Likely To Create More Jobs Than It Kills - NDTV Profit - AI will create more jobs than it kills, but policymakers need to focus on easing job displacement and implementing smart regulation.
