Organisations need to be adaptable and look to new technologies to support their growth say industry experts
Being able to adapt to changing conditions, a quality often promoted in training programmes, will be key in staying ahead of the competition when it comes to new technologies, according to digital experts.
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For while augmented and virtual reality could “revolutionise the business world” next year companies will need to be adaptable if they do not want to be left behind, warns digital agency Dorset Creative.
Those wanting to stay ahead of the competition need to be flexible, think creatively, and embrace changing technologies, says the agency.
Rowena Revill, director, Dorset Creative, said, “Augmented and virtual reality have so far have been limited to gaming – but that looks set to change in 2017. While some businesses may dismiss this advancing technology as irrelevant for their sector, by not becoming early adopters of the new functionality, they could be missing an opportunity to get ahead of rival firms.”
She added: “A few years ago, cloud computing and mobile apps were used by a just few firms experimenting with the idea, now they’re vital parts of operations for many companies. Those that recognise change is going to happen and embrace it rather than stick to their old ways, are the businesses that will thrive in an increasingly digital and competitive world.”
Adaptability is “absolutely crucial when you look at the modern workplace, especially from an L&D perspective,” said Tony Glass, VP Corporate Sales, SkillSoft EMEA.
“Being willing to treat every employee differently when it comes to learning will really give businesses an advantage when it comes to building and retaining talent. As part of this, being willing to embrace the new technologies that are already engaging your workforce will only help further improve their experience and increase the effectiveness of their training and development,” he added.
A shift in attitudes is needed if British L&D professionals are to fully take advantage of new technologies, according to Bob Little, founding principal of e-learning think tank The Company of Thought.
The sector in the UK is “still rather conservative in its tastes” and does not take account of things like the growth of informal learning among employees and spread of new technologies to deliver learning, he said.
