The speed and depth of digital developments we are currently witnessing make technology one of the key things drivers innovation and economic growth. These developments have brought with them profound changes in the lives of each of us as well as in the lives of corporations, as formerly powerful monopolies have been threatened and rapidly outpaced by emerging trends. This is a path that is here to stay, as every technological innovation is usually completely disrupted. But if technology has such a powerful transformative power in the daily lives of individuals and businesses, how can this same power be used as a response to the threats that societies face today? How can we use the disruptive and transformative potential of technology for welfare and a sustainable economy?
Not having a technology “will of its own”, its ultimate purpose depends primarily on human choices. So what choices should business leaders make? And we as individuals, what choices can we make to ensure that technology, innovation, and digital are “positive” forces? How do we deal with the unpredictability of technology? Now that we are closer than ever to having truly intelligent “artificial intelligence,” what paths must be taken to ensure that the innovations around the corner benefit humanity, are accessible to all, and their benefits are equitably distributed? How can technological research not only pursue innovation but also manage its potential negative effects?
To help understand not only the scope, but also the answers to these questions, on May 6 NTT DATA and PÚBLICO newspaper are organizing the “Tech4Good” conference, an event that brings together managers from some of the country’s most important and innovative companies and academic know-how. The goal is to obtain in one session the contributions of those who, given their positions, have particularly distinct views on this topic and the positive potential of the digital world. In addition to Ricardo Zuzimo, Researcher and Professor of Management at Nova SBE, who will open the event, the conference continues with a discussion of “Technology for a More Sustainable Economy”, which will feature Tiago Barroso, CEO of NTT DATA. Maddalena Tomei, CEO of SIBS; Joao Nascimento, Head of Digital Global Unit at EDP and Nuno Pedras, Head of Information and Digital at Galp. Manuel Carvalho, Director of PÚBLICO, will be supervising.
As this is a topic with multiple ramifications, topics such as the use of technology and innovation in favor of energy efficiency and the circular economy, as well as the growing importance of having a management focused on sustainability, both in terms of the company’s internal processes, such as the relationship and requirements provided to suppliers, and even from Where the social impact of its activity. This last point is increasingly important to the company’s relationship with both customers and society in general. Nowadays, it is difficult to understand or accept a company that is neither fully aware nor concerned with the environmental, social and economic impacts caused by its operations. What is the weight of this factor in corporate governance? And how can, or should, these innovations and technologies be used not only for the benefit of a company or product, but in a way that also makes a positive contribution to a greener and more economically just society?
And what role does “green finance” still have? How can these make the investment world a real tool to lead a society in which sustainable investments, projects aimed at the future of the planet and those aimed at improving living conditions or the search for a more cohesive and economically rewarding social community are rewarded?
Today, as never before, technological innovations are as exciting as they are unpredictable. But today, as always, its purpose remains dependent on human nature. And if owning ‘Tech4Good’ really depends on us, what should we do? Don’t miss this debate, on May 6 from 10:00am, with live broadcasts on PÚBLICO, Facebook and YouTube.