Technology agnosticism, standardisation and open data? What and where is the balance?

Interestingly, research by the KOF Swiss Economic Institute4 has shown when looking into the role and implementation of technology and how it relates to the skills of companies and their performance found that:

• Specifically, we found that investment in digital technologies is positively associated with employment of high-skilled workers and negatively associated with employment of low-skilled workers, with an overall positive net effect on employment.

• These effects are entirely driven by machine-based digital technologies (robots, 3D printing, the ‘internet of things’) that are supposed to fuel the current industrial revolution.

• We find no significant impact of investment in digitalisation when only firms that adopt non-machine-based digital technologies, such as ERP, e-commerce or cooperation support systems, are considered.

Another aspect of technology agnosticism is the use of modular and flexible architectures. Modular architectures involve designing digital solutions as a collection of smaller, interchangeable components or modules that can be easily replaced or upgraded as needed. This allows for flexibility in incorporating new technologies or replacing outdated ones without disrupting the entire system. Flexible architectures also allow for scalability, enabling solutions to grow or adapt to changing needs over time.

Furthermore, technology agnosticism promotes a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation. It encourages organisations to stay updated with the latest technological developments, evaluate new technologies objectively and adopt those that align with their goals and requirements. It also encourages organisations to invest in building the skills and capabilities necessary to adapt to new technologies, rather than being solely reliant on specific technologies or vendors.

Technology agnosticism can have several benefits. It can help organisations future-proof their digital solutions by making them adaptable to changing technological landscapes. It can also foster innovation and competition by enabling organisations to choose the best technologies for their needs, rather than being locked into proprietary technologies. Moreover, technology agnosticism can support interoperability and data exchange among different systems or organisations, enabling seamless integration and collaboration.

However, there are also challenges associated with technology agnosticism. It may require additional effort and resources to design, implement, and maintain digital solutions that are adaptable to multiple technologies. There may also be trade-offs in terms of performance or features, as some proprietary technologies may offer unique capabilities that may not be available in open standards. Additionally, ensuring data security, privacy and compliance can be more complex when working with diverse technologies.

Recommendation 2

Prioritise adaptability and interoperability and the implementation of machine-based technologies in digital systems, liberating infrastructure from the shackles of specific technologies. Champion the need for standardised and interoperable digital solutions, ensuring future-proofing, scalability and the avoidance of technological dependencies.