Category: Innovation

Introduction

Questions are rising as to whether the future technology will transform the human life or it will simply put the future of the humanity in jeopardy (Kurzweil 18). Technology has transformed from the house-size computers of the first generation to the sophisticated technologies that have made almost every part of human duties effortless.

Innovation has brought about the robotic and the clone technologies that are about to replace the humans. Although these transformations will form part of the human life, as various activities will rely on these upcoming technologies, ethical, moral, and legal debates are questioning whether these technologies will be efficient or will simply bring future threats to the humanity (Kurzweil 25).

This essay investigates the notion as to whether the robotic and clone future technologies will be the appropriate innovations that will perform with super intelligence or will just be disruptive technologies to the human survival.

Merits and Demerits of the Forthcoming Technology

Communication

All that the human beings have been anticipating about the forthcoming technology is the enhancement of communication to enable people to communicate regardless of the geographical barriers. One of the anticipated future technologies is the human microchip technology in which a human brain and body system will undergo a biotechnological transformation (Ip, Michael, and Michael 3).

This DNA chip technology will boost the human intelligence, but will interfere with the normal functioning of the human brain. Instead of using the master cards and card transactions, which have recently proven to be insecure and prone to fraud, the microchips will use a human body as a safe communication channel (Kurzweil 18).

This form of DNA chip communication directly powered to carry out electronic and wireless communication is safer, cheaper, and convenient for the businesspersons and clients compared to the card transactions.

Nonetheless, no one, even the scientists are capable of knowing the real repercussions of this future body communication. The DNA microchip technology will be among the most controversial and disruptive technologies of the coming eras (Kurzweil 19). The human safety, individual privacy, corporate privacy, and personal legal rights will remain compromised.

The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), the Positive ID (PSID), and the Electronic Product Code (EPC) are capable of revealing the previous and current geographical locations of individuals as well as their purchasing behaviors (Beasley 7). No one knows whether the owners of these disruptive technologies will be alive to face any allegations or whether the human claims against ethical and legal concerns will receive any attention (Beasley 5).

In America, over 250 cases are pending concerning the petitions filed against the RFID disruptive technologies, over 120 healthcare problems have resulted from micro-chipping, and several fraud cases have already spread out.

Employment and human extinction

The global human population is increasing with people witnessing an increase in the number of the newborns each subsequent day. The previous and present technologies have improved human lives (Beasley 2). Employed people in the offices are enjoying the benefits of different innovations, while the unemployed continue to show relentless enthusiasms towards the future innovations. However, someone somewhere is bringing a new human invention that would displace the human workforce and replace it with remote-controlled beings.

Undoubtedly, the microchip the robot, and the clone technologies will bring about new opportunities and advancements (Barat 45). The computerized robots and supercomputers are undergoing numerous technological tests to confirm their suitability in providing a better workforce that can multitask effectively (Beasley 2). The Caprica science fiction movie highlighted one of the amazing innovations where intelligent robots in the form of human beings gradually took control over the humankind.

In the Caprica movie, the computerized robot finally turned out to be a threatening invention to the human survival as it took control over the important human functions (Caprica). The Holoband that Daniel invented and supported by the brain and memory of his daughter turned out to supersede the human intelligence through its intelligence in the virtual world (Caprica).

The movie portrays the passionate urge of the people to cope with the virtual world that is full activities of sexual abuses, drug trafficking, and homicide. Such innovations of the super intelligent robots must not commence if these technologists care about the future humankind (Beasley 3).

Increased joblessness, hunger, global civil wars, and lawbreaking would be common if the intelligent robots would function like the human beings. Mitigating the robot manufacturing companies would help the world to reduce the amount of resources that people will use to curb their consequences.

International Civil War

Speedy communication, swift-moving robots, supercomputer systems, and the RFID disruptive technologies are all components of the future technology that will be leading the world to an era of an endless aggression (Beasley 5).

The upcoming technology is influencing the formation of the international terrorist groups, which seem to be superior compared to the established governments. Terrorist groups have allied together to form powerful insurgency groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and the Al-Qaida groups, which are also expressing a desire for the upcoming technologies.

The robots and supercomputers as witnessed in the movies will bring a new form of global war where technology and innovation will be part of international supremacy (Beasley 9). The power of the future robots is eminent in the Caprica science-fiction film, where the curiosity to avenge by using weapons impels people to use the computerized robots in the wars.

Technological weapons are useful when humans use them to protect the innocent civilians against external aggression within their national borders. Nations are currently using deadly atomic weapons that are capable of erasing the human beings on a single attack (Barrat 36). However, the focus of using sophisticated weapons to protect national boundaries has shifted from the use of humans and soldiers, to the use of supercomputers and robots.

Possessing sophisticated weapons is now a sign of global supremacy. Hence, developing the supercomputers and robots to compete in intense battlegrounds shall never remain guided by any ethical principles so long as countries continue to fight for global supremacy and weapon superiority (Barat 31). If such future technologies will bring about animosities, human destruction, and threaten the future of the humankind rather that providing human security, people should abolish these innovations.

Technology and Business

The ultramodern people have mutually concluded that technology has an imperative contribution to the welfare of the modern corporate institutions. The order of doing business with the super speed robots and cloned beings will change how companies utilize resources, mitigate corporate risks, improve business services, and enhance the firm auditing practices.

According to Barrat (200), these impressive robot and cloned beings are indisputable. Nonetheless, these same technologies will bring about ultramodern means of corruption and fraud within the firms. Even as people continue to ignore the cyber-attacks and cybercrimes that are rapidly increasing, modern firms will endure losses through these disruptive technologies (Barrat 185).

Come to think of the computerized robot that has already portrayed a higher level of intelligence than the human beings have. The Caprica movie shows a highly intelligent robot that evolved from depending on the human beings to control it, to self-governance.

Human beings are already using these super robots to practice corporate fraud and corruption, and evade capture. Human beings are giving away their memories and brains and receiving microchip implants in their heads as the technological brains (Barrat 59). Jenna Fox is a movie that reveals the manner in which humans receive microchip implants that distort their brains and alter their memories.

Replacing human beings with the computerized robots is unethical given the increasing numbers of the unemployed people, who contribute to crime and poverty due to their socioeconomic statuses (Ip et al. 7).

Accepting the intelligent robots into the corporate functions is the beginning of the extinction of the human race. Companies are looking for these opportunities to frustrate human workforce that seems to consume corporate finances through the huge wage bills. Robotic technology and the microchip implants must not receive any approval.

The Human Health

The upcoming robot and clone technologies seem promising for those who deal with the health care sector, as the majority of the automated machines will be vital in promoting good health in human beings. The upcoming RFID technology and cloned beings will improve the storage and access of personal health information. However, the electronically powered robots that will perform human chores or influence and improve the human services are threats to the humanity (Ip et al. 7).

The intended microchip implants, the robot innovations, and the clone technologies will adversely affect human health and survival. The Transcend Man is a modern fictional documentary that demonstrates the manner in which technology has made human beings to disbelieve death (Transcend Man). Ray refuses to admit the occurrence of physical death and remains deceived that human beings and machines can merge.

Such notions of combining human beings and machines have made people to admire the microchip implants and the intelligent robots. One can imagine the impact of replacing the natural human brain with the computer-controlled microchips that are capable of causing permanent memory losses and brain damages. Death is inescapable even as people try to strategize means of improving human survival (Ip et al. 3).

The microchip implant systems and the intelligent robots are bringing danger to the permanent existence of the human beings. The probability that human beings will finally lose control of these intelligent robots is high as certain individuals may use them for their personal benefits (Ip et al. 8). Robots and microchip implants will be the source of the global wars of supremacy. Human beings will suffer permanent physical fractures, and cloning surgeries will affect human thinking, and disrupt the human lifespan.

Conclusion

Everyone is admiring the upcoming innovation, although questions about these disruptive forthcoming technologies continue to be very few. The intelligent robots and the microchip implants that may appear on human heads are two wicked technologies that are about to cause a recession of the human race.

When innovators think of these sophisticated technologies, no one seems to understand the motives behind their actions. The natural way of living and relying on the human mind will soon vanish as people have shown an intense interest in the microchip, the cloning technologies, and robot technologies that have received frequent attention on the media systems. No one wants to die, and no one wants the robots to replace the human race. Then why are these upcoming technologists so insensitive?

Works Cited

Barrat, James. Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era, United States, New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2013. Print.

Beasley, Ryan. “Medical Robots: Current Systems and Research Directions.” Journal of Robotics 2012 (2012): 1-14. Print.

Caprica. Sir. Eric Stoltz, Esai Morales, Alessandra Torresani, and Jeffrey Reiner. Battlestar Galactica, 2010. DVD.

Ip, Rodney, Katina Michael, and Maxwell Michael. “The social implications of human-centric chip implants: a scenario -Thy chipdom come, thy will be done.” Collaborative Electronic Commerce Technology and Research 2.1 (2008): 1-11. Print.

Kurzweil, Ray. The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology, United Kingdom, London: Penguin Books, 2006. Print.

Transcend Man. Barry Ptolemy, Christopher Waltz, and Dr. Ray Kurzweil. The Toronto Sun, 2011. DVD.

Introduction

Disruptive Innovation influences significant changes and alters the economies of hospitality. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused challenges in the hospitality industry, and disruptive automation has been developed to combat health risks. Mobile self-service to create a user interface that allows the clients to manage most services such as check-in, ordering, and room keys. Advanced computerized mechanization has developed robotics and self-service models to enhance customer satisfaction and overcome the issues provoked by COVID-19. The disruptive technologies offer hygienic alternatives that focus on consumer safety and will extend to the post-pandemic world. The health risks of contracting COVID-19 influenced disruptive innovations in hospitality to facilitate contactless services in the hospitality industry, forcing organizations in the sector to respond to the innovations.

Discussion

Long queues when booking hotels pose the risk of COVID-19 infection and have become intolerable to consumers. Front desk lineup and friction are tiresome and unpleasant to the consumer (Joshi, 2018). Using the latest registration software and mobile devices, guests can complete the enrolment process away from the hotel. The technology eliminates the operational cost of many workers employed for front-desk services. Digital booking services are faster and encompass more guest-oriented aspects such as room preference than unresponsive slow room service, which leads to negative customer reviews. After signing in, guests can use the mobile room key to access their rooms. Clients will have a high preference for organizations utilizing digital technology over conservative businesses.

Guest’s ability to use mobile devices to control and monitor the services they receive in hospitality improves experience and satisfaction. Consumers can seek room service at their convenience using mobile self-service. According to Joshi (2018), consumers can demand the goods they need at any time without the intrusion of privacy by hotel workers. Additionally, robotic mechanics reduces costs by offering most of the services offered by employees, such as delivery. Lowering costs improve profitability and grants organizations a competitive edge by allowing for competitive prices (Josh, 2018). Mobile self-services coordinate the different features in hospitality, such as service provision, mobile payment, and mobile ID authentication (Adeyinka-Ojo & Abdullah, 2019). Digital alternatives such as check-in via smartphone or check-in terminal improve the hospitality industry’s hygiene, speed, economics, and accuracy of services.

The automation of services does not only benefit guests but also organizations in hospitality. Mobile check-in, order services, room keys, and robotics streamline the operation and management of hotels with a large number of customers (Akbar & Ozuem, 2019). Providing superior service differentiates the brand, improving brand awareness, and loyalty, and reducing price sensitivity. The mobile services cannot be compromised, thus guaranteeing high customer satisfaction and positive feedback. Disruptive innovation benefits consumers as well as organizations in the hotel industry significantly.

Hotels can implement the mobile interface to be used by their customers to cultivate their relationships and display all amenities and services offered to improve consumer loyalty. Digital applications act as a medium of constant interaction with consumers to increase engagement. Therefore, they personalize marketing channels with customized interfaces that drive better engagements. The improved check-in model can identify missing and expired payments. Moreover, modern innovation grants hotel guests information before their arrival hence efficient time for package preparation. Akbar and Ozuem (2019) imply that hotels that have applied disruptive innovation have competitive advantages. Organizations that have not tapped into the heightened opportunities created by disruptive innovations face high competition challenges.

However, although disruptive innovations have some benefits, they often have challenges for organizations. Implementation of digital solutions in the hotel industry is costly, and faults can lead to exorbitant losses. Apart from implementation, the software used in the hotel customer interface requires constant support and service. According to Chan et al. (2019), contactless technology significantly reduces the personal interaction between guests and hoteliers necessary for hotel intelligence. Disruptive innovation is not welcome by all age profiles since it is hard for people without the technical knowledge of using technology.

Digital innovation is an emerging threat to organizations in the hospitality industry. Bearing the benefits of improvements in hospitality, organizations should adopt disruptive innovations. Embracing technology in hospitality will align products and services with consumer preferences, and improve operational efficiency, stability, competitive advantage, and market share (Chan et al., 2019). Digitization allows corporates to adopt a technological culture and gain the first benefits of disruptive innovation. Organizations in the hospitality industry should monitor consumer behavior to check the impacts of disruptive behavior. Organizations with no capacity to apply digital transformation can create an innovative business environment to incubate cheaper service delivery methods that equal disruptive innovation. Moreover, businesses can invest in disruptive startups or set up technology intelligence and road mapping practices and avoid later challenges.

Conclusion

Disruptive innovations change the dynamics of an industry and appeal to companies to reanalyze their products and services. Consumers enjoy a better experience and often prefer businesses utilizing disruptive innovation. Although costly, mobile service in hospitality improves organizations’ market share, competitiveness, and profitability. Hotels operating in the hospitality industry risk losing business and market share. These businesses can either utilize digital transformation and/or an innovative environment to face the challenges of disruptive innovations.

References

Adeyinka-Ojo, S., & Abdullah, S. K. (2019). Disruptive digital innovation and sharing economy in hospitality and tourism destination. In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering (Vol. 495, No. 1, p. 012006). IOP Publishing.

Akbar, M. F., & Ozuem, W. (2019). Disruptive innovation: the high-end market perspective.

Chan, C. M., Teoh, S. Y., Yeow, A., & Pan, G. (2019). Agility in responding to disruptive digital innovation: Case study of an SME. Information Systems Journal, 29(2), 436-455.

Joshi, B. P. (2018). Disruptive innovation in hospitality human resource. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Education, 8, 48–61.

To-date, cloud storage is firmly premised in our everyday PC usage. It has been studied ever since it was introduced. These are the most up-to-date pieces of research we have managed to acquire.

The article “TBR 2015 Cloud Predictions: Fragmented Capabilities” features the TBR experts’ prognoses over the implementation of a private cloud in 2015. They state that there have been some trends recently that they believed to last in 2015. The trends include the rapid spreading of private cloud adoption, an increase in private cloud security funding, and the growth of profit up to more than a fifth, yearly. The services will be more widely available, the experts state. Also, the providers will work on a more customer-friendly interface (Krans et al. par. 2-4).

Some statements on the public cloud storage were articulated by Yousef Khalidi, a Microsoft expert, during the Cloud Computing Roundtable conducted by IEEE Cloud Computing in 2014. He stated that, currently, users do not ask whether it is worthwhile to use the cloud at all. Instead, the questions they ask mainly refer to what applications should they use for clouds in their organizations and in what geographical point it is optimal to use it. Thus, the expert states, public cloud adoption is in high gear (Mazin et al. 41-42).

These statements are supported by other research concerning governments and businesses of various sizes. It is said that a trend has emerged: governments and organizations opt for the cheapest and most efficient solutions in terms of software. Big data is yet another factor explaining an increase in public cloud usage. It is also claimed that, presumably, cloud storage systems will soon become a necessity (“The Dawn of the Cloud Era” par. 4-11).

As to the innovations in cloud storage, it is stated that, during the past decade, the public cloud consisted of big data centers. The servers were plentiful. Despite the fact that such a scheme passed the tests of time and security, there are some technical and non-technical disadvantages to it. For example, if a zone suddenly fails, the tenants will be probably dropped out. A remote server can be insecure in terms of private data. The researchers suggest that an alternative model is applied. The distributive cloud model would be more suitable for small businesses since it is cheaper; besides, all data is stored locally, which ensures privacy security (Coady et al. 38).

Another piece of research offers an overview of big data innovations. Such public clouds as Google have introduced new platform technologies. They opt for a customer-friendly set of tools to create one’s own software. With the usage of such tools, a user can build his/her own servers and applications; besides, the cloud offers a secure infrastructure to handle them (Collins 13).

As the year 2015 comes to an end, some companies go into predicting further ways of cloud development. It is true that cloud storage has to meet security challenges. However, in spite of such serious doubts, organizations continue to adopt cloud systems. According to a recent survey conducted by IDG Enterprise, it is estimated that, in 2016, approximately 50% of all software will be cloud-based as opposed to the current 8%. The percentage of organizational software stored in the cloud is less than a half; this number is expected to increase up to 56% by the end of 2016 (Betts par. 1-4).

Works Cited

Betts, Mitch. “IT shops will pass the cloud tipping point in 2016, survey finds.” Computerworld. Computerworld, Inc., 2015. Web.

Coady, Yvonne, Oliver Hohlfeld, James Kempf, Rick McGeer, and Stefan Schmid. “Distributed Cloud Computing: Applications, Status Quo, and Challenges.” ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communication Review 45.2 (2015): 38-43. Print.

Collins, Eli. “Big Data in the Public Cloud.” IEEE Cloud Computing (2014): 13-15. Print.

Krans, Allan, Matt Healey, Jillian Mirandi, and Cassandra Mooshian. “TBR 2015 Cloud Predictions: Fragmented Capabilities.” Computing Now. IEEE Computer Society. 2015. Web.

Mazin, Yousif, Tom Edsall, Johan Krebbers, Stefan Pappe, Yousef A. Khalidi. “Cloud Computing Roundtable.” IEEE Cloud Computing (2014): 40-49. Print.

“The Dawn of the Cloud Era.” Gulf Business. Motivate Publishing, 2015. Web.

Change is constant in the techno world. This is evident through the numerous innovations witnessed in the multi-billion industry over the past few decades. Of course, most of them, including high speed internet connectivity and social media, have significantly affected human life (Gibson, 2013).

Equally, the future looks bright and the sector is expected to experience more advanced innovations in the near, mid, and long-run periods that can effectively handle day-to-day management issues. Some of the notable advancements that are likely to further transform the industry include 6G network, driverless car, Project Loon, Smart-Cup, and Mobile Bluetooth keyboard.

The 6G innovation is one of the greatest technologies that are likely to be rolled out in the near-term in order to meet consumer and business needs. In addition to enhancing connectivity, the network will offer lifeline communications and broadcast services. Its predominant potential benefit is increase in bandwidth to as high as 100 Gbit/s upstream accordingly easing congestion in the increasingly growing market. On the other hand, the innovation may lead to negative ramifications on the environment due to fact that it must be powered by sophisticated machinery.

Conversely, mobile Bluetooth keyboard is also likely to be a leading innovation in the near-term period. This is a project that intends to give computer users the flexibility that comes with working from various positions due to the fact that it will employ wireless technology (Richardson, 2010). The noticeable benefit of the project is that it will reduce the ingestion of harmful substances into the body. On the contrary, it may be a form of carcinogen due to the reason that it makes use of ions.

Also, it is feasible that future innovations will be geared towards solving health-related issues. One of the projects that may facilitate the realization of this noble goal is a SmartCup, which will feature an application capable of recording its content temperature. Undoubtedly, this is good news to those who are conscious of the temperature of a drink and its effect on thermoregulation.

Project Loon is also a revolutionary innovation likely to redefine the tech industry in the mid-term period. In particular, this is a Google Inc.’s project that aims to reduce digital divide across the entire globe through provision of Internet access to remote and rural areas. The initiative will employ high-altitude balloons in order to facilitate the creation of a wireless network. One of the positive ramifications of the project to the society is that it will increase internet speed in the remote areas accordingly allowing people to work from different locations. The chief Achilles heel of the proposal is that it may be costly to implement and support, especially due to its magnitude.

In addition, innovation is on the verge of turning the dream of a driverless car to reality. In fact, the project is already in its final completion stages and Google anticipates that it will be introduced to the market by 2020. In particular, the automobile will be use hydroelectric power consequently reducing reliance on oil energy (Landrum, 2008). Besides, the project will enhance transport through increased speed. On the other hand, the limitation of the project is it is not an all-weather car; it is likely to be affected by unusual weather conditions such as heavy snow and heavy rain.

In summary, a number of groundbreaking projects are likely to be introduced to the market in the future. Some of the notable initiatives include 6G network, driverless car, Project Loon, Smart-Cup, and Mobile Bluetooth keyboard. Unquestionably, they will greatly impact the daily human life.

References

Gibson, J 2013, The logic of invention: patents, information, language, Ashgate, Farnham.

Landrum, G 2008, The innovative mind: stop thinking, start being, Morgan James Pub, Garden City, NY.

Richardson, A 2010, Innovation X why a company’s toughest problems are its greatest advantage, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA.

Modern scientific and technological processes are practically impossible without the widespread introduction and use of new powers and utilities. The sector of power and utilities is tightly connected with digital innovation, which makes it possible to solve many diverse scientific, technical and technological problems in the shortest time intervals. There are the speed and versatility that have made digital technologies so prevalent in modern branches of science and production, and the audience does not have to go far for examples. Digital innovation is a unique phenomenon that, over the past decades, has radically changed the life of each of the inhabitants of the planet.

According to the article “Digital Innovation” by Deloitte Insights, the introduction of digital innovations will occur at a faster pace every year. For example, by 2050, electricity will become 48 percent cleaner, according to the experts. In the future, the introduction of power and utilities will allow scholars to completely switch to digitalisations of human life, conveniently combining in one device the unlimited functionality of many items necessary for a person. Industries that intensively use digital technologies are developing twice as fast as average organisations.

Taking into account all the information discussed above, it appears logical to claim that the main benefit of the article is its focus on the practical outcomes of power and utilities. Experts suggest that disruptive forces transform the electric power sector, and leaders of power corporations plan their digital journeys, taking into account the impact of those forces. In the contemporary information era, humanity is preparing to take a new step in the development of digital innovation; thus, disruptive forces can make a significant impact on businesses in the power sector.

Furthermore, the article appears to be highly useful for the field of electricity and water authority; primarily, it can be successfully implemented in the organisation where I work, SEWA (Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority). This company aims to independently, in financial and administrative way, supply and generate water, electricity, and natural gas to Sharjah Emirates’ nationals and residents. According to the article, opportunities prevail in today’s energy and utility market will open up as the future unfolds, characterised by three increasing trends, such as decarbonization, electrification, and decentralization. The authors also highlight that other than moving electrons, power and utility companies are likely to see increased opportunities to establish value based on insights, data, and services. Thus, implementing the data from the article into its activities, SEWA should have real-time situational knowledge of its transmission, generation, and distribution assets to become efficient power company.

Moreover, the article emphasises that due to an increase in energy efficiency, the consumption of electricity in developed countries will no more grow in tandem with GDP incase. SEWA should be acquainted with this information in order to survive in the market. Under such circumstances, today, scientists are working to create a method that would allow the use of all the elements obtained. If the results of scientific work are positive, then humanity will receive a new alternative type of fuel, the resources of which will be unlimited. Taking into account the information from the article, especially the hypothesis that disruptive forces will soon reshape the whole power sector, I can significantly contribute to the development of power segment inSEWA. Accordingly, the findings of the article can be efficiently used during my professional career in SEWA.

Introduction: Is Frugal the New Disruptive?

The effect of financial crises and global warming has encouraged industries to come up with more sustainable and cost-effective products. Currently, the most viable approach to reaching such goals is frugal innovation (FI) (Rao 2013).

FI is the design process in which products and services are created to be affordable, appropriate, and accessible (Basu, Banerjee & Sweeny 2013). Under this approach, it has become possible to meet the needs of region-dependent customers through the intelligent use of resources (Colledani et al. 2016). However, some critics argue that FI can be disruptive (Rao 2013). In particular, there is an opinion that FI “will merely exacerbate capitalist exploitation and inequality” (Knorringa et al. 2016, p. 143). The paper offers an overview of two FI products and the analysis of their potential for being disruptive.

Sandia National Laboratories: The Robotic Hand

Product Analysis

The Sandia Hand is a device created by Sandia National Laboratories the main function of which is bomb disposal (Zax 2012). The main features of the robotic hand are its low cost, dexterity, and modularity. Due to the use of 3-D high-resolution rapid prototyping technology, it became possible to reduce the product’s cost (Sandia Hand n.d.). The hand is dexterous because of four three-degree-of-freedom fingers. The device is modular since each finger socket can be controlled and replaced separately (Beciri 2012). The Sandia Hand has such benefits as the reduction of downtime, customization, mechanical breakaway options, and pluggable tools (Sandia Hand n.d.). Control over the hand is managed remotely with a glove. The hand has a gel-like layer that imitates human tissue (Streams 2012).

Designers emphasize that the ability of the hand to dispose of bombs is not the only beneficial feature of the device. With the help of the Sandia Hand, it will also become possible to find bomb makers (Lifelike, cost-effective robotic 2012). Frequently, specialists disarm bombs by blowing them up. With the robotic hand, the valuable evidence will not be destroyed, and investigators will have more chances to find and catch the bomb maker. In the long run, it is expected that more arrests of bomb makers will lead to the reduction of bombings (Lifelike, cost-effective robotic 2012).

Disruptiveness Potential

The potential growth and recognition of is Sandia National Laboratories rather high due to the positive feedback and the price of the product. With the help of a consulting company LUNAR, Sandia was able to bring down the cost of the robotic hand (LUNAR helps develop 2012). Also, the designers of the device have taken into consideration the need for the reduced exploitation of resources, which is a FI approach (Prabhu 2017).

However, the cost-effectiveness of the product can also lead to its becoming disruptive. Sandia senior manager, Philip Heermann, notes that the Sandia Hand has the same level of disruptiveness as the microchip does (Szondy 2012). The estimated retail price is $800 per degree of freedom, which makes a total price equal $10,000 (LUNAR helps develop 2012). As the high-volume production can decrease the cost further, the Sandia Hand is likely to become a disruptive technology (Szondy 2012). Thus, this device is an example of FI becoming disruptive, which can have a negative impact on other companies producing similar products with more expensive resources.

Columbia University Earth Institute: The Bamboo Bike

Product Analysis

The Bamboo Bike Project (BBP) was launched in 2007 by the Earth Institute of Columbia University (Bamboo bikes are gaining attention n.d.). The major goal of the project was to create bicycles that would be suitable for sub-Saharan African conditions. Another significant element was that the bikes should be made of native and non-expensive materials. The project’s goals are to introduce an enhanced bicycle design, to teach semi-literate African citizens to build bicycles and improve their transportation options, and to expand employment opportunities in this region (Bamboo bike project n.d.).

Such bicycles can satisfy highly significant needs of African citizens which exist due to the lack of affordable transportation (Production starts 2011). With the help of the product, people will be able to improve their options for marketing, health care, and education.

Bamboo bikes are not only cheaper but also stronger and lighter than steel-frames ones (Bamboo bikes project n.d.). Thus, people can both carry more goods on them and use them on unsatisfactory roads. These products have a great potential for growth and recognition since they can become a sustainable business which offers employment for Ghanaian people (Assaël n.d.). Numerous advantages of bamboo bikes allow considering them as highly beneficial FI products.

Disruptiveness Potential

The production of bamboo bikes allows creating necessary products in conditions of resource scarcity, which is the key feature of FI (Simula, Hossain, M & Halme 2015). It might seem that due to the product’s low prices, the technology is disruptive. Indeed, the citizens Ghana can afford such a kind of transport, having to pay only $60 for it (Wollan 2010). However, the threat of people from developed countries buying cheap bicycles and disrupting the companies producing their bikes from less sustainable and more expensive materials cannot be considered as substantial. The bikes for people living in poor African regions are sold at a set moderate price.

However, bamboo bicycles are not as cheap in other parts of the world. For instance, a famous designer from California, Craig Calfee, sells exquisite hand-made for up to $3,500 (Greenwald 2011). Therefore, while the BBP does produce and sell bikes at a low price, it is not possible to say that the business approach is entirely disruptive.

Conclusion

Frugal innovation is a cost-effective and sustainable approach to producing goods. With the help of using cheaper resources, it is possible to create affordable products and services. However, some of FI initiatives tend to be disruptive due to setting very low prices. Economists are worried that such innovations can undermine the image of established companies. Out of the two products that have been analyzed, the Sandia Hand is considered to be more disruptive than the bamboo bicycle.

Reference List

Assaël, K n.d., The bamboo bikes from Ghana: low-cost, high quality and locally produced. Web.

Bamboo bike project n.d. Web.

Bamboo bikes are gaining attention n.d. Web.

Bamboo bikes project n.d. Web.

Basu, RR, Banerjee, PM & Sweeny, EG 2013, ‘Frugal innovation: core competencies to address global sustainability’, Journal of Management for Global Sustainability, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 63-82.

Beciri, D 2012, ‘Sandia Hand – low cost robotic arm for bomb dismantling’, RobAid. Web.

Colledani, M, Silipo, L, Yemane, A, Lanza, G, Bürgin, J, Hochdörffer, J, Georgoulias, K, Mourtzis, D, Bitte, F, Bernard, A & Belkadi, F 2016, ‘Technology-based product-services for supporting frugal innovation’, Procedia CIRP, vol. 47, pp. 126-131.

Greenwald, J 2011, ‘Turning bamboo into a bicycle: a cycling entrepreneur has turned to the durable plant as a low-tech and affordable option for building bikes’, Smithsonian.com. Web.

Knorringa, P, Peša, I, Leliveld, A & van Beers, C 2016, ‘Frugal innovation and development: aides or adversaries?’, European Journal of Development Research, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 143-153.

Lifelike, cost-effective robotic Sandia Hand can disable IEDs 2012. Web.

LUNAR helps develop next-gen robotic hand for Sandia National Labs 2012. Web.

Prabhu, J 2017, ‘Frugal innovation: doing more with less for more’, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, vol. 375, no. 2095, pp. 20160372.

Production starts on sustainable bamboo bikes in Ghana 2011. Web.

Rao, BC 2013, ‘How disruptive is frugal?’, Technology in Society, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 65-73.

Sandia Hand n.d. Web.

Simula, H, Hossain, M & Halme, M 2015, ‘Frugal and reverse innovations – quo vadis?’, Current Science, vol. 109, no. 9, pp. 1567-1572.

Streams, K 2012, ‘This DARPA-funded robot hand can replace its own fingers’, The Verge. Web.

Szondy, D 2012, ‘Sandia modular robot hand brings a delicate touch to bomb disposal’, New Atlas. Web.

Wollan, M 2010, ‘Just don’t let a panda borrow your bicycle’, The New York Times. Web.

Zax, D 2012, ‘A robotic hand for bomb disposal’, MIT Technology Review. Web.

Introduction

Disruptive and ‘sustaining’ technologies are emergent innovations that tend to change conventional technologies gradually or radically. Owing to their nature and comparative advantages that accrue the adopters of the innovations, numerous countries, companies, and industries have attempted to commercialize disruptively and ‘sustaining’ technologies. The rise of disruptive technologies in the contemporary world has phased out many companies that cling on to their old traditions of operations. Nevertheless, new entrants into the markets who take advantage of disruptive technologies have reaped handsomely from the innovations. As such, various countries have attempted to reform their national systems to commercialize disruptive technologies. While many proponents highlight that national systems have done a lot to facilitate the commercialization of disruptive technologies, I suppose that the national systems have done little to commercialize disruptive and sustaining technologies.

National systems and commercialization of technologies

At the outset, it is important to recognize that disruptive technologies have some fundamental requirements for them to be able to replace conventional technology. This involves such areas as technology. With this in mind, it is essential to notice that various national systems have failed to adopt the appropriate technologies for their industries to replace the existing technology. In particular, Danneels (2004, p. 45) argues that within the broader requirements of disruptive and sustaining technology, there are areas that require refinement, especially those that enhance the commercialization of technologies. These gaps have been apparent in many industries and national systems. With these areas not successfully addressed, national systems are doing little to commercialize the emergent disruptive and sustaining technologies.

It is important to consider various phases that disruptive technologies undergo before their full commercialization. While these areas succeed each other, failure by national systems to place emphasis in all or one of the phases may lead to low-level commercialization of technological innovations (Danneels 2004, p. 47). The first stage is the emerging phase, during which there are new products and innovations in the market. These products attempt to replace existing technologies in a radical way, and industries perceive them as threats to the existing products.

In this phase, new sectors and industries come into the market. For instance, there was an emergence of new sectors relating to electronics by the end of the 20th century. The sectors now have grown to include information and technology with other areas expected to emerge. As Christensen & Raynor (2003, p. 56) explicate, national systems have failed to be flexible enough to incorporate the new sectors in their frameworks and allow the products to enter the second phase of development. This implies that the lack of flexibility within national frameworks that guide innovations has been detrimental to the commercialization of disruptive technologies (Christensen 1997, p.13).

While some national systems fail to support technologies, others market disruptive and ‘sustaining’ technologies. It is critical to appreciate that the second stage is typical of diminished risk for products’ failure, and it attracts increased production costs (Christensen & Raynor 2003, p. 56). Besides, product differentiation among products in the markets also characterizes this stage of development and commercialization of disruptive technologies (Christensen 1997, p. 71). Companies make products that are different from other products by competitors. Although they utilize similar technology, product differentiation at this stage is apparent. Nonetheless, it is at this stage of development that many technologies fail to have any impact in the market and consequently collapse. Mohr & Slater (2005, p.12) explain that disruptive technologies fail at this phase owing to the failure of design standards that national systems prescribe. Besides, governments fail to see disruptive technologies like products that require immense commercialization and fail to design regulatory frameworks that enhance the successful implementation of the innovations (Mohr & Slater 2005, p.12). As such, the national standards are currently doing little to facilitate the commercialization of technological innovations.

The mature phase is the third stage of the process of commercialization of innovation and technological products. As such, products fail at this stage, owing to the increased need to minimize production costs and focus on profit maximization. Companies that are able to exploit this phase and dominate the emergent markets may fail to achieve this objective due to countries’ provisions and other rules that may impede the disruptive technology to emerge. Owing to the need to reduce costs, the end-user of the innovations may end up paying up a significant proportion of the production cost (Slater & Olson 2001, p. 67). This makes technology at this stage very expensive, making authorities to intervene. As such, the national systems allow the existing technology to proceed and typify the markets with disruptive technologies unable to displace them successfully. As such, the national systems lead to slowed commercialization of new products. It is critical to enhancing the ability of the current system to be open and flexible to innovations.

Successful marketing of innovations and disruptive technologies is dependent on the ability of national systems to adopt and diffuse innovations. It is important to notice that there are different categories of national systems that may allow the successful implementation of technologies. Particularly, Slater & Olson (2001, p. 34) explain that different characteristics and segments of national systems of innovation may bring about different results and affect commercialization in both positive and negative ways. For instance, national systems that allow companies to pioneer the markets as early market innovators have the characteristics of enthusiasm and zeal. Slater & Olson (2001, p.16) assert that such national systems are typical of motivated adopters of technologies who appreciate the role of technology in shaping human society. Besides, the segment embraces technology and is able to put up with hitches that may be pertinent to the adoption of technological innovations.

While the aforementioned segment may enhance the adoption and commercialization of disruptive technologies, Slater & Olson (2001, p.12) point out that other segments of adopters that typify numerous national systems of innovations are unable to enhance the commercialization process. Particularly, they say that segments such as laggards and late majorities are unable to tolerate technology and innovation (Slater & Olson 2001, p. 76). In fact, the two groups are the majority and represent conservatives who perceive technological innovation and consequent adoption with a lot of skepticism. With such characteristics, national systems of innovation are, in most instances, unwilling to facilitate adoption and commercialization of disruptive technologies. Therefore, it is apparent that numerous systems that provide a framework for the adoption of technology are adamant about commercializing the technologies and, thus, act as impediments to the process.

Many national systems of innovation are unable to have an appropriate market orientation. In this case, they do little to understand the needs of the customers prior to the development of their respective technologies. Research has shown that market orientation is important during the emerging phase of innovations, but this influence diminishes as the product reaches the maturity phase (Slater & Olson 2001, p. 43). This implies that national systems of innovations that fail to enhance the comprehension of the latent needs of the consumers may lead to innovations that are difficult to commercialize. Mohr & Slater (2005, p.15) explain that many national systems are ignorant of the customers’ needs by embracing technology at its maturity phase.

To that end, the process of commercialization of technological innovation becomes an expensive venture that may fail to achieve its objectives. For instance, early innovators are mainly in industrialized countries, while the majority of late adopters are in developing countries (Mohr & Slater 2005, p. 14). As such, the national systems of the developing countries have continuously adopted technology at its mature stages, making it almost impossible to adopt appropriate technology that addresses the pertinent issues and needs of their customers. Notably, failure by national systems to consult with early innovators regarding the needs of their customers makes it difficult for them to commercialize technology that is not relevant and does not address their issues fully.

Further, Hamel & Prahalad (1994, p. 57) point the failure by national systems to facilitate the process of commercialization of technology innovations due to a lack of marketing strategies to achieve the goals of commercializing innovations and technology. Specifically, they articulate that national systems are typical of vague strategies that make the process uncertain (Hamel & Prahalad 1994, p. 57). While innovation and technology may seem spontaneous, it results from the strategic process of planning that ought to have a clear structure of commercializing the final product.

From the onset, new market entrants may have such a strategy, but the existing institutions may be unable to integrate the strategy into their operations. In particular, while telecommunication firms such as Verizon have continued to integrate technology and ultimately remained profitable, new market entrants such as LG and Nokia have been successful and replaced other preexisting rigid firms (Bessant & Tidd 2011, p. 47). It is vital to notice that marketing strategy is pertinent to all the processes of selling, and ignorance of the process may result in poor commercialization of technology and innovations. Hence, Bessant & Tidd (2011, p. 54) claim that national systems ought to be responsive to technological innovations that will propel the countries to market technology.

Conclusion

In sum, national systems of innovations have failed to facilitate the successful commercialization of technology and innovation. First, they are typical of inflexible and rigid frameworks that are irresponsive to technological advances. Besides, the systems do not appreciate that the development of technology happens in stages during which failure to address the issues typical of every phase may reduce the innovation’s potential. This may lead to the collapse of innovations and technological products. Segmentation of adopters makes the process of marketing technological innovations, an expensive venture, especially when the national systems are conservative and demonstrate skepticism to technology. Marketing strategy and market orientation are other aspects of technology that are apparently lacking in many national systems. All these factors have led to the conclusion that national systems have done little if anything to facilitate the commercialization of disruptive technology.

References

Bessant, J & Tidd, J 2011, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, John Wiley & Sons, West Sussex.

Christensen, C & Raynor, E 2003, The Innovator’s Solution: Creating and Sustaining Successful Growth, Harvard Business School Press, Boston.

Christensen, C 1997, The innovator’s Dilemma, Harvard Business School Press, Boston.

Danneels, E 2004,’Disruptive Technology Reconsidered: A Critique and Research Agenda’, Journal of Product Innovation Management, vol. 21 no. 4, pp. 246–258.

Hamel, G & Prahalad, C 1994, Competing for the Future, Harvard Business School Press, Boston.

Mohr, J & Slater, S 2005, Marketing High Technology Products and Innovations, Prentice-Hall, New Jersey.

Slater, F & Olson, E 2001, ‘Marketing’s Contribution to the Implementation of Business Strategy: An Empirical Analysis’, Strategic Management Journal, vol. 22 no. 11, pp.1055–1068.

Entrepreneurs are frequently regarded as innovators due to current competitive conditions that force them to be creative. Due to globalization, people in business introduce new products, services, and methods of production (Eurich, Weiblen, & Breitenmoser, 2014). They search for new sources of supply and re-organize the whole industries to be commercially viable. Entrepreneurs collect new ideas, they are motivated by arising problems and look for innovative solutions (Tynnhammar, 2019).

They borrow existent ideas and update them to create new services and goods. The process of innovation has six steps of problem-solving – problem observation, problem definition, idea generation, idea synthesis, idea evaluation, and solution implementation. This work describes the process of the innovation idea development by the author, who searches for a product that will solve the problem with organization and people’s self-discipline.

Problem Observation

The process of innovation and problem solving is impossible without the definition of a problem. This process requires the direct and indirect observation of consumers and production processes. Entrepreneurs analyze people’s demands, wishes, complaints, and even dreams concerning the products that may enhance the quality of life and solve specific problems (Euchner & Ganguly, 2015). The investigation of production processes identifies their strong and weak, pain, points that need to be improved.

Three problems of everyday life are identified and explored via indirect and direct intelligence. Indirect observation is a non-engaging way of market and public opinion analysis. For indirect intelligence observation, the author of this research chose forums, social media groups, online surveys, and blogs where people share their opinions concerning innovative products they would like to have. For direct intelligence observation, the author initiated discussions by putting questions in online questionnaires concerning everyday problems, and people suggested potential solutions.

The first everyday problem detected by the author is the transport problem. Public transport frequently is slow and not comfortably accessible in all locations, automobiles negatively influence the environment, and their quantity disturbs a significant number of community members. Travelling still remains unobtainable for many people due to ticket expensiveness. Through direct and indirect intelligence observation, it was found out that the author’s dissatisfaction and unmet needs concerning transportation are common for the majority of people to a greater or lesser degree.

They actively discuss what inventions in this sphere they would like to see and what measures may be assumed to solve the problem of transport cost-inefficiency, pollution, or inaccessibility. Internet users frequently propose high-speed trains within cities, the use of emission filters for vehicles for environment safety, individual or public underground parking places, or underground road nets for more free spaces. A prevalent number of online discussions’ participants dream about flying automobiles and teleportation in the future.

The second problem that the author would like to solve and make everyday life more comfortable is the issue of reproduction. The majority of people need innovative products that will save and transmit images, melodies, text, or smells. In discussions, they describe computers that may translate not only images and sounds but smells as well, and pens that will be able to copy a hand-written text in an electronic format. They mention electronic products that will save texts, music, and pictures in a computer system directly from a person’s mind or transmit textbooks into the mind to learn while sleeping. Other desired innovations include an artificial LED window, a mirror with the PrintScreen function, and an unconceivable food printer.

The third problem is a lack of self-discipline and organization. A substantial number of people do not know how to organize their time or create an order in a wardrobe. They frequently forget keys at home, drink more alcohol or spend more money than they expected. Internet users would like to have more products that will help them to establish control in all spheres of their life. They describe artificially intelligent devices that help them to plan their activities or finances and search all essential information.

Problem Definition

After the investigation of customers’ unmet desires and weak points in products and production processes, it is highly essential to define the problem and determine the problem’s potential root causes. The innovators should identify not only what or who is a cause but why, where, and when the problem appears as well. The problem selected by this work’s author is a lack of people’s self-discipline and organization.

A large number of people all over the world, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, location, and socioeconomic status, currently cannot effectively control their time, finances, or state due to individual characteristics, busyness, or stress. This statement gives answers to the elements that provide the problem’s root causes – who (people), what (they experience a lack of self-control), why (individuality, busyness, stress), where (worldwide), and when (at the present day). The entrepreneurs’ goal is to create a new product or modify an existing one that will help people with the organization of their time and space, remind them essential things, or control their expenditures.

Idea Generation

Any innovation is unfeasible without the generation of the problem’s all possible solutions. Creative, alternative, irrational, and even unrealistic ideas should be taken into consideration, as multiple variations suggest the best solutions (Vanwersch et al., 2016). For the organizational issue, the author has chosen the generation of ideas concerning various electronic products that may encourage users’ self-discipline. That is why possible solutions are:

• Mobile Secretary. Mobile Secretary is a smartphone program that will not only operate the device and search for information on the Internet but function as a real-life secretary. It will be able to place online orders, answer emails, monitor a schedule, record the user’s speech, and perform a complex search of data;
• Closet Organizer Application. It is a mobile application that saves the user’s time by recording all clothes in a wardrobe and automatically creating possible outfits according to the established parameters of color, season, and style;
• Smart Glass. Smart Glass is a glass with an embedded electronic system that will help to control the state of a user who drinks alcohol. It will save the number of drinks, identify their quality, give a signal when it is better to stop, and send the user’s coordinates to his or her relatives and friends;
• Smart Hand Weights. It may be an ideal invention for people who would like to organize their sporting activities. Hand Weights with an electronic system will control the user’s blood pressure and pulse rate, provide the set of exercises, and record the weight loss progress;
• Remote Lock System. This system will help people to open an apartment door if they forget the keys at home;
• Security Tile. It is a small electronic device that may be useful for distracted people who constantly lose their belongings. It may be attached to a bag and tracked through geolocation if a bag is missed;
• USB Flash Drive with Visible Storage. USB flash drives are highly widespread devices that are used by the majority of people worldwide. However, it is not possible to examine the driver’s empty space without plugging it in a computer or notebook. A modified USB flash drive will have an external indicator of the driver’s occupancy;
• Decision-Making Application. This mobile application that makes a random choice between several settled options may be useful for people who are not organized, suffer from stress, or want to avoid decision-making;
• Financial Planner. Financial Planner is a website or application that will contain information related to the user’s credit cards, loans, income, and expenditures;
• Electronic Purse. Electronic Purse will combine an ordinary wallet with advanced technologies for its owner’s financial control. A purse will be equipped with a screen and an electronic system that may identify the denomination. This system will be connected with bank accounts as well. Users will be able to control their finances as they will always see how much money they have, and set additional parameters of cash savings and spending on specific product groups.

Idea Synthesis

Idea synthesis is used to eliminate the implausible variants by organizing all proposed ideas into groups. At first, the author arranged all potential solutions into two groups according to its existence. Smart Hand Weights, Remote Lock System, Security Tile, Decision-Making Application, and Financial Planner are products that already exist or the devices with similar functions are invented, and they cannot be regarded as innovations. Hereafter, the author divided the rest of the products into two subgroups according to their universality. Closet Organizer Application and Smart Glass will be useful for a limited number of people; the majority of men and humans who do not drink alcohol will not be interested in these products’ purchase.

Mobile Secretary is a program that theoretically will be developed and implemented in the future by international mobile giants such as Apple and Samsung as their devices are already equipped with helping programs. USB Flash Drive with Visible Storage may be a highly practical device, however, its updated function is not essential. That is why, through the evaluation of all potential ideas, Electronic Purse was chosen by the author as the most practical innovative product. It could be merged with Financial Planner and borrow some of its functions.

Idea Evaluation

The identified solution should be evaluated in detail according to tree criteria – the product’s feasibility, usability, and market opportunity. Electronic purse is the most feasible innovation among other proposed variants as it combines universality, accessibility, and originality. The technology of the implementation of electronic systems in the articles of daily use is already developed, however, Electronic Purse will be a highly-demanded device. Its production is potential, and it will be able to fill the market gap as it does not have alternatives, and entrepreneurs will not face competition. Moreover, this innovation is highly multi-faceted as it will be useful for a prevalent number of adults worldwide. Although people earn and spend money, they frequently have problems with self-discipline concerning spending.

Occasionally, they cannot control their finances as they do not have a visual demonstration of the amount of money they have. With the help of Electronic purse, they will always see their cash resources, bank deposit money, and incomes. They will be able to control spending on food, entertainment, or clothes as well. The system of the purse will be connected with a bank and block the credit card if it is missed or stolen.

Solution Implementation

The organization of the production process will be more reasonable if Electronic Purse will be manufactured in collaboration with companies that provide technologies and electronic systems. The solution is challenging due to the system complexity that should be implemented in a small unit, and this peculiarity may negatively influence the device’s price, making it less affordable for a large number of customers. Nevertheless, an appropriate advertising campaign in social media and an open pre-order will solve this problem.

Conclusion

The author of this work has developed a market-pull innovation idea with the use of the six-step process model. Three everyday problems were identified and explored via indirect and direct intelligence – transport problem the issue of reproduction, and a lack of self-discipline and organization. For indirect intelligence observation, the author of this research chose forums, social media groups, online surveys, and blogs where people share their opinions concerning innovative products they would like to have. For direct intelligence observation, the author initiated discussions by putting questions in online questionnaires concerning everyday problems, and people suggested potential solutions.

The problem selected for this work is a lack of people’s self-discipline and organization. A large number of people all over the world, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, location, and socioeconomic status, currently cannot effectively control their time, finances, or state due to individual characteristics, busyness, or stress. For the solution of this problem, ten variants were proposed and evaluated according to its originality, universality, and accessibility.

Electronic Purse was chosen as the most feasible innovation among other proposed variants as it combines universality, accessibility, and originality. It will be equipped with an electronic system connected with bank accounts that help customers to control their finances. Regardless of the device’s potential high price, Electronic Purse will be appreciated by a prevalent number of people.

References

Euchner, J., & Ganguly, A. (2015). Business model innovation in practice. Research-Technology Management, 57(6), 33-39.

Eurich, M., Weiblen, T., & Breitenmoser, P. (2014). A six-step approach to business model innovation. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 18(4), 330-348.

Tynnhammar, M. (Ed.). (2019). New waves in innovation management research. Wilmington, DE: Vernon Press.

Vanwersch, R. J. B., Shahzad, K., Vanderfeesten, I., Vanhaecht, K., Grefen, P., Pintelon, L.,… Reijers, H. A. (2016). A critical evaluation and framework of business process improvement methods. Business & Information Systems Engineering, 58(1), 43-53. Web.

Introduction

Human beings are social animals and once they have met their physiological and safety needs, they develop a great desire to meet their social needs. The reason behind this is that they develop a need to interact with others including friends who give them a sense of belonging (Maslow, 2002). This paper looks at communication as a social need and how technological inventions have addressed it over time.

Notable inventions and innovations in communication

The social process would never be complete without communication, which plays a fundamental role in all social interactions. It is indeed a basic need that influences the information society and has come a long way technologically to where it is now. Going back to the history of communication, it is amazing what inventions have done. The prehistoric means of communication included the use of horns and drums to pass information from one person to another. A Roman Emperor by the name of Tiberius made a debut in verbal communication by inventing a heliograph in the 37AD. This method involved the use of mirrors to deliver messages from one location to another.

In 1793, Claude Chappe invented a telegraph line that could be used to deliver messages over a long distance. Charles Wheatstone invented a microphone in 1821, a gadget that could reproduce sound and it was composed of a primitive soundbox. The first-ever electric telegraph was discovered in 1831 by Joseph Henry and this was followed closely by a modification done by Samuel Morse in 1843. This electric telegraph could send telegraphic messages over a long distance. The fax machine was invented by Alexander Bain in the same year (Bellis, 1997).

The Pony Express was birthed in 1861 in the US with the primary goal of delivering mail and in the same breath, Coleman Sellers invented a Kinematoscope. This machine had the capability of flashing still images on a screen. The modern typewriter saw its way into the inventions doing their rounds in communication in 1867 in America. Thomas Edison invented a mimeograph in 1876, it acted as an office copier, and around the same time, Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. Bell was able to transmit vocal sounds from one point to another and this is what came to be widely known as the telephone.

The phonograph that is a recording tool was invented in 1877 by Thomas Edison who used a wax cylinder to carry out this task. High-speed photography came to be in the same year courtesy of Edward Muybridge who was able to capture fast pictures in motion. The gramophone was invented in 1887 by Emile Berliner and its work was to record messages that would be played repeatedly. The Kodak film camera was invented in 1888 by George Eastman and in 1889; an automatic telephone exchange was invented by one Almon Strowger. New inventions and innovations on existing ones continued being experienced and in 1894, wireless telegraphy had been greatly improved by Guglielmo Marconi.

The first-ever answering machines for telephones made a debut in 1898 and 1899, people were now able to store data courtesy of Valdemar Poulsen. He invented magnetic recordings that could capture messages for later use. Through this medium, music and other forms of data could be recorded on tapes and disks. The same year saw the inventions of loudspeakers that magnified recorded and live sounds. Guglielmo Marconi made another key invention that enabled the transmission of radio signals across the Atlantic Ocean. Comic books were invented in 1904 and they became a regular series. The radio and the telephone amplifications got better in 1906 courtesy of Lee Deforest who invented an electronic amplifying tube.

In 1910, Thomas Edison invented the very first talking motion picture and in 1914 saw the first telephone calls that could be received across the continent. An iconoscope found its way into the communications scene courtesy of one Vladimir Kosma in 1923. Several inventions happened in 1927 when CBS was founded and England received the first-ever television broadcast. In addition, two radio networks were started by NBC, and “The Jazz Singer” talking motion picture was released by Warner Brothers. The United States received its first television broadcast in 1930 and the same year saw radio grow to great lengths (Bellis, 1997).

Around this time, people were only able to watch live television broadcasts but in 1938, taping and editing of these broadcasts were made possible and people were able to watch scheduled broadcasts by1939. Information Science was birthed in 1944 when computers came into use in the public service. Computers such as the Harvard Mark I were used in government offices. A transistor was invented in 1948 and records that could play for longer were invented in the same year. In 1951, computers were sold for commercial purposes, photocopiers debuted in 1958 courtesy of Chester Carlson, and integrated circuits were invented. The internet era was not too far from here and in 1969, the first internet, known as ARPANET was started.

The computer floppy disks and the microprocessor were invented in 1971. Pay-TV service was invented by HBO in 1972 and 1976, the home computer by Apple was invented. Mobile phones were first used in Japan in 1979 and a Sony Walkman was invented in 1980. In 1981, the first-ever IBM personal computers as well as laptops were sold. The Time Magazine recognized computers as “Man of the Year” in 1983 and in the same year, the United States embraced the use of a cellular network. The Apple Macintosh was invented in 1984 and in 1985, cellular telephones could be used in cars and CD-ROMs in computers. In 1994, the American government sought internet control as the WWW converted communications to light speed (Bellis, 1997).

Communication Technology Timeline

Year Invention

1450 Daily newspaper
1455 Gutenberg printing press
1861 Pony Express mail delivery
1867 Typewriter
1877 High speed photography moving pictures
1888 Roll film camera
1889 Telephone
1898 Answering machine
1904 Comic book
1910 Talking motion pictures
1923 Television
1944 Government use of computers
(Age of information science begins)
1945 0% televisions in households
1951 First commercial computer
1954 MIT introduces computer graphics
1966 Fax machine
1969 ARPNET first internet
1970 95% television household penetration
1972 Pong video game
1974 Intel First computer chip
1975 Microsoft
1976 Apple II
1979 Pac man video (Japan)
1979 Cell phone network (Japan)
1980 Microsoft DOS operating system
1980 Sony Walkman
1981 IBM PC
1981 Computer mouse
1983 Cell phone network (USA)
1983 Time Magazine names computer as “Man of the Year”
1984 Macintosh
1985 Microsoft 1
1991 World Wide Web begins
1994 First Blog
1995 AOL, CompuServe, Prodigy dialup internet service
1995 Amazon.com
1995 eBay
1997 “blog” term coined
1999 Google
1999 MySpace
2001 Wikipedia
2002 Flicker
2003 Second Life
2004 Face Book
2005 YouTube (Trent, 2009).

Future of communication

Researchers are still at work developing devices that will make a mark in future communication devices. The trends are becoming more complex with time and we can only look forward to a telecommunications wonderland full of possibilities. As inventions and innovations continue in the science world, we are looking at smaller and more functional cell phones that can be used even on planes, high broadband speeds, and seamless Wi-Fi networks among others. In addition, we are looking at ultimate efficiency, ease of use, affordability, and availability of these gadgets to more users. The future of the communications industry will therefore be one flooded with wireless data pipelines that will be at everyone’s disposal (Derene, 2011).

How these technological inventions have shaped modern society

Conclusion

Technological inventions in communication have brought about a great impact and it is hard to imagine life without computers, the internet, and cell phones among others. Communication has been made easier and people are now able to send and receive messages instantly anywhere in the globe. This has been attributed to the growth of world economies since business transactions and interactions have been made much easier (Day, 2001). With these massive transformations, we can only expect mind-blowing technological transformations in the near future.

References

Bellis, M. (1997).The history of communication. Communication Inventions Journal, 4(1), 1-13.

Day, R.E. (2001). The modern invention of information: Discourse, History, and Power. USA: Library of Congress Publication Data.

Derene, G. (2011). Coolest communication devices of the future. Forbes Communications, 1(2), 1-4.

Maslow, A. (2002). Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. Internet Center for Management and Business Administration Inc, 6(1), 2.

Trent, C. (2009). Communication Technology Timeline. Web.

Among the current tendencies in science, the development of material science and engineering is one of the most essential tendencies that are highly likely to contribute to another scientific breakthrough. Reinventing the professional perception of technologies and their application in the modern world, the recent inventions have contributed considerably to the improvement of the existing technological processes and have enhanced the increased efficiency in a number of fields of people’s activity.

Because of the increasing role of material science and engineering in people’s life, the unawareness of the benefits that the aforementioned developments offer contributes to the reluctance to use the modern innovations to the full, which might result in certain regress in the sphere of technologies appliance. Hence, the efficient ways to enhance professional knowledge and interest in the current material science and engineering developments is doubtless.

Outlining the importance of learning the new information and acquiring the new skills concerning the spheres of material science and engineering, one must admit that the aforementioned is essential for a number of fields.

Helping to obtain more specific results, narrowing the suggested solutions to the most efficient, and informing professionals on the changes in the sphere of materials science and engineering, the given information is doubtlessly significant. It would be reasonable to offer specific examples to prove the necessity of enhancing people’s knowledge on the issues in the given spheres.

One of the most obvious examples of the necessity to keep the skills current and to learn more about the existing trends in the sphere of engineering and materials science, the necessity in keeping in pace with the time can be mentioned.

Learning about the existing innovations and the means to apply them to practice presupposes considerable progress, whereas possessing certain skills without improving them and the reluctance of researching the new tendencies in the sphere of material science and engineering can lead to a serious regress and, as a result, cause incompetence in the given field.

Speaking of the materials science, one must admit that the given branch of sciences is constantly progressing, and being at least one step away from the current issues means regressing to the previous stage. Since catching up with the constantly renewing information is practically impossible in the given case, it is evident that the increasing incompetence concerning the chosen sphere will follow inevitably.

Moreover, it is clear that the innovative ideas in the sphere of material science and engineering matter greatly for a better understanding of the subject. Naturally, the existing theories concerning the sphere of science are supposed to be taken as a stronghold of the science, yet the emerging ideas, even those that contradict the existing concepts, are not to be neglected, since they can change the entire concept of material science and let the humankind pass on to the next stage of technical development.

Hence, the importance of acquiring new skills and learning about the emerging tendencies and concepts in the given sphere are to be taken into account. With the help of the new information on the subject in question, one can implement the acquired knowledge so that the effect of the actions could be even more impressive. Making the results more precise, one will be able to perfect the technique of implementation of certain projects, which is of great importance.

Naturally, for an efficient enhancement of knowledge on the given issue, as well as for acquiring the newest skills and their efficient training, the probable sources of the information concerning the new technologies and the innovations concerning material science and engineering should be found.

Because of the fact that the news concerning the recent developments is usually spread rather quickly with the help of the mass media and the reports on the technical achievements, it is comparatively easy to learn about the latest ideas and developments in the chosen sphere. However, it must be admitted that the means of obtaining the required information concerning the methods and the developments itself is rather problematic.

Among the variety of sources that can be used as trusted ones to obtain the information, the databases and the academic writing on the suggested topic can be offered. Since the papers in question are usually accessed by the members of a certain educational establishment, the university or institute databases can prove rather sufficient and reliable source. Thus, the accessed information will be verified, and one can safely apply it to practice.

However, in case one cannot get access to the libraries and databases of a certain educational establishment, various internet sources can be used as well. Even though the credibility of the latter leaves much to be desired, it is still possible to check whether the information provided is worth being considered. In addition, purchasing the latest books on the issues concerning material science and engineering is also a possible way out.

Speaking of the means of acquiring the new ideas concerning the issues in question, one can possibly suggest all available sources on the topic in question, from books and online articles to watching the TV news concerning the developments in the sphere of material science and engineering.

Even though in the given case, the credibility and veracity of the information is important as well, these are mostly the ideas inspired by the given information that matter. Depending on the capacities of one’s imagination, even observing the environment and the natural processes can be insightful enough to offer a plethora of food for thoughts.

Therefore, it can be concluded that the necessity to enhance professional knowledge on the current developments in the sphere of engineering and material science is evident. Hence, corresponding steps to provide experts with the necessary information on the current trends, such as various gadgets, specific machinery and professional tools is necessary.

However, various obstacles, starting from the lack of funding or personal money to the reluctance of learning the novelties and the new possibilities of the machinery and computers, cannot be denied. The above-mentioned makes it painfully obvious that the innovations within the sphere of technology, namely, engineering and materials science, require considerable amount of time to be implemented into the society so that various institutions could function better.

Because of the aforementioned reasons, one should admit that the measures for implementing the innovations into the society will require considerable amount of time. Therefore, the acknowledgement and studying of the recent trends in the material science and engineering sphere is necessary. With the help of the above-mentioned efficient way to enhance professional knowledge on the scientific innovations, one can claim with certainty that the society will pass onto the next stage of progress.