Future Beyond Technology

Envisioning the world in 2035 challenges the conventional view that equates technology with progress, arguing that this perspective is fundamentally flawed. Gartner Vice President and Analyst, Marty Resnick, along with Gartner Research Engagement Specialist, Robert Bowker, and Gartner Vice President and Analyst, Alan Stanley, advocate for a shift from technology determinism to societal determinism, emphasizing the need to redefine progress through a societal lens. We explore the potential of human-demand-driven innovation, where societal needs and values guide technological development, rather than technology dictating societal change.

Discussions during the podcast underscore the importance of trust, highlighting the responsibilities of organizations and governments to align technological advancements with ethical and societal priorities. By analyzing future forces and assumptions across geopolitical, economic, social, trust, regulatory and environmental domains, we discuss how these dynamics can support a more holistic view of progress. Ultimately, this discussion calls for a reevaluation of our technological trajectory to ensure it genuinely enhances societal well-being.

Alan Stanley is a vice president analyst at Gartner in the IT Leaders Sourcing, Procurement and Vendor Management team with over 30 years of experience in the IT Industry. Mr. Stanley guides Gartner clients in sourcing (including outsourcing/offshoring) applications services (consulting, development and maintenance) and business process services. He specifically guides Gartner clients on sourcing strategy, provider selection, contracting and negotiation, sourcing management, Oracle & SAP applications service providers, business process services and sourcing services in Latin America.

Robert Bowker is a research engagement services specialist in Gartner’s Supply Chain team. With an interdisciplinary research background in politics, philosophy and economics, Robert is also interested in how macrotrends and trendspotting should inform the strategies of Gartner’s clients. He is currently participating in several research projects within the Gartner Futures Lab, such as the Future Beyond Technology and the Hype Cycle for Political Trends. Prior to joining Gartner, Robert worked as an account manager at Saepio Solutions, an information security company.

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