Brave New World – of Tech

In Huxley’s classic dystopian novel, Brave New World, he describes a future culture that has succumbed completed to the technical, and resultantly, in the novel, that which makes us human has long since been usurped for nefarious reasons. Yet, here in the 21^st century, it seems the techno-culture of the day continues to foster innovation and empower – rather than extinguish – modern society. Not since the Industrial revolution has such progress impacted our lives and how we interact, for both business and personal. Today it is difficult to imagine a time when digital communication channels were not the norm. Twitter and its seemingly infinite data lakes, mobile business-2-business and consumer-2-business interactions are so seamless now that it is difficult to believe that only a few decades ago none of this existed. Uber has crushed competition by building a ‘better mousetrap’ and undermining the taxi industry that existed since the 18^th century, and likely longer. All due to ideas combined with emerging technology that allowed the vision to become reality.  These successes cannot be eschewed as a fad or simply luck, and those who think so do so at their own peril. The government recognizes the importance of supporting and encouraging growth in the tech sector given the industry’s track record of success to date.  As noted in one Globe & Mail article on this topic, the government is putting money on the table and its “…promises are tens of millions of dollars for co-op placements in the science, technology and engineering industries” (Akkad 2).

                  “Calling an iPhone a phone is like calling a Lexus 500 a cup-holder”
                                                                                                                           – Gary Gulman

Another benefit of tech environments is that they can ‘spring up’ virtually anywhere. There is no need in most cases to construct complex manufacturing plants, rather internet connectivity and a skilled and knowledgeable workforce are the only prerequisites. The Waterloo region is perhaps at the precipice of success or at least approaching it. Relatively low cost of living and two solid University communities seem to be attracting entrepreneurs who are looking to establish their startups. Of course this takes investment capital and venture funding is paramount. As noted in the Financial Post “Entrepreneurial clusters require a culture of risk-taking, and that requires risk capital.” (Spence 2). Yet how far should the government get involved in this regard?  Government bureaucracy – if not autocracy – is not the first thing that comes to mind when we think agile and innovative tech-hubs. Perhaps the – at least to date – failed foray into the world of ‘Green Energy’ technology by the Canadian governments should sound the alarm bell. Sure, invest where due diligence is highlighting opportunity but let those who best understand how to implement new ideas, and fast-track solutions to market, run the show. Do any of us think Uber powerhouse would be here today of the government was calling the shots? It would still be stuck in the Senate as a bill.  This new wave of Capitalism and the attendant technology is proving the resultant benefits to the economy and consumers. Better and cheaper products that, often times, solve a problem for us that we did not even knew we had. After all, our parents’ generation where happy with a telephone that only worked within a 3-foot radius of the refrigerator. RIM/Blackberry changed all of that, due to ideas merging with opportunity and financing. As one comedian notes, “Our phones are really now a seldom used app on our phone” (Gulman).  The brave new world that has emerged is exciting and continues to promise new solutions due to our digital world with its Internet-of-Things. If you think the revolution is over think again; otherwise, you just might get left alone by simply standing still.

References      

Akkad, Omar. "As Economy Falters, the Tech Sector Continues to Climb." The Globe and Mail. The Globe and Mail, 15 Sept. 2015. Web. 18 Jan. 2017.

"Gary Gulman." Gary Gulman Official Website. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Jan. 2017.

Spence, Rick. "Why Canada Needs Entrepreneurial Clusters, and How to Go about Making Them." Financial Post. Financial Post, 14 Sept. 2015. Web. 18 Jan. 2017.