If I say future of tech, you say..? Whatever your reply: Sweden is unique. Thanks to our values, together we have been able to build a innovative culture with great contributions to the world, a caved path we still can follow in the future. Let’s not waste that opportunity by throwing away our values.
Please repeat after me: Future of tech. It sounds great, doesn’t it? Promising, almost tantalizing, in my opinion. But what does it mean, really? And why should we care?
Context, values and society
When you just uttered the words, did you think of a possible winner of the ongoing development race between participants such as (amongst others) AI, VR and Big Data? Would you say it has something to do with scary killer robots, or gaming that can transfer us into outer space? Or, is the future of tech about putting the right technologies in the right context, where they create societal value? Is it perhaps rather about the people who invent it, use it, and the societies that can develop thanks to it?
”I see how we contribute to necessary improvements in the pharmaceutical industry.”
As a founder and CEO of a tech company that use TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and image analysis software to structure and analyze large amounts of data, I see how we contribute to necessary improvements in the pharmaceutical industry. Because of our efficient decision support systems more accurate diagnoses can be made, and drug development can speed up.
Where they contribute the most
My company is just an example. I have many colleagues, not least in Sweden. What we have in common is we apply our solutions in an industry – healthcare – that is in great need of efficiency. Drug development is expensive, accurate diagnoses are crucial and healthcare professionals need support in their day-to-day work to be able to meet an increasing demand for healthcare. Our solutions can be used for other purposes, but we choose to apply them where they contribute the most.
”In Sweden there are thousands of researchers, professors, engineers and students who work in favor of our health and longer lives.”
I also see many talented people, including my employees, who want to help us contribute to society. In Sweden there are thousands of researchers, professors, engineers and students who work in favor of our health and longer lives. Thanks to the Swedish Brand, we have been able to attract these talents from all over the world. My colleagues and I can ride on the wave that our ancestors created: an open, inclusive, curious and innovative Sweden that welcomes people of different backgrounds.
Little to do with technology
To answer the questions above, at least I have come to the conclusion that future of tech has little to do with technology in itself; it is about purpose. About people who work together and about our values. For me, Sweden is unique. Thanks to our values, together we have been able to create success. A caved path we still can follow in the future. We need to care because of our society, our health, our lives and our economy. Let’s not waste that opportunity by throwing away our values. Remember: it’s where talent exists that future of tech is created. And we want it to be created here, in Sweden, don’t we?