<div><em><strong>Pari Natarajan</strong> on the future of the brave new world</em><br><br><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" style="width: 200px"><tbody><tr><td><img alt="" src="http://bw-image.s3.amazonaws.com/Pari-Natarajan-200.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 210px; margin: 1px; float: left;"></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Pari Natarajan</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>We have shifted to a business world where connections and collaborations are replacing the traditional methods of doing business, and undermining both existence and dominance of certain businesses. </div><div> </div><div>The changes wrought by the Digital Age will continue to reshape our notion of what a workspace is like and how we even go about working. A small example of it could be office space/ work station becoming obsolete, while new home –based video connections becoming the new norm! But, this connectivity that allows you to work from anywhere also requires more collaboration. The new virtual world offer innovative opportunities for collaboration without the limitations of the physical world.<br> </div><div>Cloud computing, linking computing power in data centres with consumers and businesses online, has transformed how we work and play, forever. Similarly mobility has also impacted large technology companies. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg; the changes that we foresee over the next two years are expected to be even more intense.</div><div> </div><div>We are witnessing three key trends that are deeply connecting products, connecting people using these products, and connecting the ecosystems they live in. These trends are expected to accelerate the phenomenon of change. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Trend 1</strong></div><div>Software and Physical products are becoming increasingly connected, autonomous and emotional. <br> </div><div>An apt example of this can be Ringly. With smart jewellery being a top wearable tech trend, it is also one of the best ways for women to obtain benefits of smartwatches and fitness bands, without wearing a dull slab of plastic on their wrist. The ring connects to both iOS and Android phones. The idea is that you carry on what you are doing and know at a glance if you need to pick up your phone or not! This explains how software and physical products are becoming increasingly connected, autonomous. </div><div> </div><div>Who had imagined ten years back that robots can be emotional! </div><div>Softbank and Foxconn have come up with human-like robot called Pepper, which is capable of playing multiple roles from babysitter to store staff. It is being described as the "world's first personal robot with emotions". Pepper has what we call an ‘emotion engine’ and a standard programming of other humanoid robots.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Trend 2</strong></div><div>Mobile phones, gadgets, and social media have allowed people to connect in a manner which was impossible a few years ago. <br> </div><div>Digital Touch feature on Apple watch is a unique way to communicate with your friends and family. It just involves pressing your fingers on the screen, the built-in heart rate sensor records and sends your heartbeat. It’s a simple and intimate way to tell someone how you feel! This is just the beginning! There are going to be a number of fascinating innovations that in future will allow telepathy and other modes of communication between people possible. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Trend 3</strong></div><div>Ecosystems across the world are becoming deeply connected both virtually and physically!<br> </div><div>A majority of the top 500 R&D spenders have centres in both Silicon Valley and India, where their teams operate and collaborate from across continents. The collaborative activities are just not limited to Silicon Valley; Israel is also emerging as a preferred destination. All this together indicates a deep ecosystem connect, talent movement, and possibility of some great innovation by leveraging each other’s capabilities and expertise.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Can we speak about the future without talking about Tesla? </strong></div><div>Tesla is widely known for battery innovations it has undertaken over the years! Recently, Tesla owners received a recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration alerting them that a charger plug needed to be fixed. Tesla completed the fix for its 29,222 vehicle owners via software update. IOT innovations are being used in improving customer experience, reducing time and cost involved in service and upgrades, improving product development with in-depth understanding of usage patterns. </div><div> </div><div>Connected ecosystem is not only resulting in technological advancement but also driving positive social changes in how we voice our support, get involved in ecosystem initiatives, and redefine professions. </div><div> </div><div>The definition of the term ‘profession’ itself is undergoing a change with the growth of “sharing economy” as a disruptive connected business model. In the near future, it will be increasingly difficult to define one’s profession. A person could by a programmer on a sharing economy platform such as freelancer; driving a car during peak hours, teaching a course in the evening, and also renting his property on Airbnb. Thus, technology will redefine the term professional.<br> </div><div>Technology is driving change at a rapid pace, and the global adoption of these innovations is also not lagging behind. Therefore, it has become imperative for large enterprises to adopt these new trends, changes, and innovations. It is need of the hour to re-define your business objectives and goals in view of the changing scenario!<br><br><em>The author, Pari Natarajan, is CEO, Zinnov, a leading Management Consulting Firm</em></div>
