Coronavirus – COVID-19, Industrial Revolution and Change

Change is the law of life and those who look purely to the past or present are certain to miss the future (John F Kennedy). Harold Wilson advocated that they who reject change are the creators of decay. The inevitability of change has long been accepted in nature; we only need remind ourselves of Darwin’s theory of evolution. Seizing the opportunity of change and taking a lead in a tumultuous new order of things proposed by the Industrial Revolution is as demanding and precarious as its potential for success. However the rate of change in this new order and era of growing competition in most activities will drive change at an ever increasing speed, Peter Drucker advises that “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence – it is to act with yesterday’s logic” Australia cannot reasonably change the direction of global economic transition, that genie is out of the bottle, nor can it keep acting with the pasts logic

The virus afflicting the world has prompted and encouraged many to call for economic and social transformation, amongst many requests, one recurrent theme is advocated, that we do not to go back to what was(?) but rather take the opportunity to create what could be. For such widespread change to develop we need to use our collective imagination. This imagination must not be swayed by self-interest or narrow-minded beliefs it must be all encompassing and inclusive. The opportunity only be limited by lack of will and imagination. However, we need to take note of the words of John F Kennedy who said “Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies.” Most enemies of change see the future as what was and is for a few, rather than what could be for all.

The so-called 4th Industrial Revolution is an opportunity at hand to put effect to the change that is being called for. This Industrial Revolution is said to be of utmost significance in manufacturing. However, this view is perilous in the very extreme and misses the wider opportunity. The Industrial Revolution that is under way is better understood if it is defined as the blurring of boundaries between the physical, digital, and biological worlds. It’s a merging of advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, genetic engineering, quantum computing, and other technologies. By this definition this revolution then cannot be limited in our imagination to “manufacturing”, but rather as a revolution to the fundamental construct of how humanity operates and pursues its endeavours and its ambitions.

For Australia to achieve the change that many are seeking, Governments, Unions, Business, Community, Institutions and individuals must take this unique opportunity to foster a vision that unites rather than divides. To imagine what could be and prepare for the inevitable changes that will need to and occur in ourselves, institutions, business and our community, in effect in all aspects of our lives.

Changes brought about by this Revolution will include, amongst others: -

·      Longer life spans,

·      Shorter working hours,

·      More leisure time,

·      More engaging work,

·      Less need for manual work,

·      Reduced stress,

·      Better health outcomes,

·      Faster travel,

·      More interconnection amongst individuals, communities, cultures and countries,

·      Lower cost of manufacturing,

·      Lower cost of construction,

·      Lower the need large volume production,

·      Faster research and development,

·      Widely available comprehensive and valued education,

·      Wider delivery and engagement with all forms of the arts

·      Less waste/more recycling,

·      Greater transparency,

·      Fairer distribution of wealth,

·      Protection of natural resources….

These and other opportunities come with significant challenge in implementation, management and urgency. Some countries are already planning or integrating these opportunities, Australia must act now otherwise it will be left behind.

The Revolutions is full of promise as economies of scale are transformed, better community and individual outcomes are delivered and environmental improvements are gifted to those that manage the change.