How Businesses Can Keep Up with Fast Paced Technological Advancements
The Threat Facing Companies Today
Have you realized that lately, companies don’t stay on the Fortune 500 list long as they
used to several decades ago? A recent study shows that companies that were on the list in
1958 remained on average 61 years. Nowadays, a company remains on the list for an
average period of 18 years. Worse still, another study suggests more than 50% of Fortune
500 companies won’t exist past the next ten years. Although there are various reasons
behind the reduced lifespans of these businesses, rapid pace of technological change is the
major contributing factor.
Responding to a survey done in 2015, 72% of all Fortune 500 CEOs said that the rapid pace
of technological change was the greatest challenge facing their companies. A recent survey
questioning CEMS Masters graduates also identified the rapid rate of technological and
digital advance as the biggest challenge facing global business leaders. This was according
to 68% of the respondents.
In as much as technology has played a significant role in the improvement of efficiency and
agility in different aspects of businesses, we can’t bury our heads in the sand and assume
all is well. The statistics are proof that it can be a threat to many businesses if they don’t
have sturdy boats to move with the strong tide.
Steps You Have To Take
To compete and win alongside the fast-changing technology, companies have to increase
their focus on technological innovations that can help them stay ahead of the competition.
First, a company should define an IT strategy that assesses its technological needs and the
available resources and come up with ways to stay on top of the needs. Considering the
changing customers’ needs and rapid technological changes, it’s important for a company
to review its IT strategies regularly to avoid costly surprises.
If you are management or executive leader in a company, ensure that you aren’t reactive to
the latest technology trends. Have an IT team that’s able to analyze any upcoming
technology before its release, especially if it’s likely to affect your industry. The analysis
should also establish if technology can be incorporated in your IT strategy.
Besides protecting their core, businesses that want to stand the test of time should also
have partners and teams that can help them with technological solutions for their current
and foreseen operational challenges. With the right innovation partners, a company will
stay well informed about its competition and deal with it proactively.
Additionally, it is advisable for company leadership to encourage innovation within their
workforce and nurture talents that are in line with their corporate vision. If you are a
leader, give your team some flexibility instead of micromanaging them. This could help
them become more innovative. In case you feel that you don’t have the right employees, do
what is necessary and get the right staff for every position.
Technological changes are inevitable. Be ready and embrace it to stay on top in this fast
pace ever changing world.
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