What newness will grow in 2013?
2013 will be a year, where we will not
return back you ‘normal’, as many people hope for. Unless you consider a lot of
change to be the new normal!
Please find below a small overview of
areas, which will (need to) capture your attention.
Storytelling
As the amount of information is growing
every second, it is very hard to focus your attention on what information is
worthwhile. So, the story that you tell (as an individual and/or organization)
is increasingly important. The stories that match my interests and are awesome
will capture my attention. The rest of the information will not reach me.
Big
Data
The information, which is already
available, covers almost all levels of our being, from my heart rate, to places
visited, to products sold. More and more organizations are analyzing this data
and producing useful reports out of this. This analysis will give them very
useful information for the (potential)
impact of their actions.
Craft
As more and more products almost exactly
look the same, it is also in this area key to differentiate yourself. This can
be done by your story and your personal craftsmanship. I can still recall a
story from a jeans manufacturer in the UK, who started up a new company, while
using the old machines from the 50’s and also re-employing the craftsmen who
had these special skills. On another level, look at what the possibilities are
of 3D printing. Now you can design everything, from human organs to your
personal teacup and make it your self. This is the Maker- Movement.
Local
Globalization has brought a lot of
benefits, but also a lot of problems. Many people in western countries have
lost their jobs to countries, who could provide cheap labor. This impact is
being felt in the cities. Look at a city, like Detroit, which has been hugely
impacted by the economic crisis. As a response, many people in cities are
taking back control. Activities, which used to be outsourced (nationally or
internationally) are now insourced again. Examples are local food markets and
local renewable energy companies.
The
Internet of Things
Many of the products and utilities, which
we use on a daily basis, will be connected with the Internet via sensors etc.
This is already happening, like with our cars and thermostats. Soon, our
refrigerator will order new supplies from the grocery if they are out of stock
and these products will automatically be shipped to our homes.
MOOC’s
We have just seen the beginning of Massive
Open, Online Courses (MOOC’s). They have had huge success already, if you look
at the number of participants. I think that they will become a standard in
education and/or training. There will be MOOC’s for any kind of subject and any
kind of level.
Creative
Generalists
According to the World Economic Forum (http://bit.ly/WI3YIJ) climate change, debt and
inequality 'threaten financial stability'. As many crises are already
converging, a new perspective and approach is needed to tackle these challenges.
Creative generalist can provide this new way of looking and ‘connect the dots’.
Enthusiasm drives Excellence!
