Create your digital future yourself – it cannot be left to Silicon Valley

Summer 2024 is fast approaching. This means that it is not just time for cool white wine on the terrace or cool yourself off on the Danish coasts: swim on the waves of self-improvement too, by reflecting on the way you work and on how much of your daily life is technology-dependent. And indeed, digital technologies are changing the way we lead our lives, and the way we do our work, with an unprecedented speed. From tech trends like AI and chat robots, to virtual meetings and cloud computing - Danish jobs are changing.
Getting in with the times
The role of Silicon Valley tech giants like Meta or Google on driving trends and digital developments forward cannot be replaced; but their voice should not be the only one. Similarly, we cannot leave the big issues like digitalisation or climate change to politicians only: it is our democratic responsibility to protest against policies and laws that do not align with our values.
Take these examples onto a smaller scale - like in the context of the work place - where department heads, managers, and executives are all responsible for charting the company's digital path. Everyone can (and should) interfere in realising their future. IT professionals can help get things done and facilitate technological development, but the digital future equally rests on the shoulders of lawyers, doctors, teachers, bank clerks, architects, and HR experts. If we add the self-employed, the margin becomes huge.
Let's talk digital: a shared language
We need to develop a common “language” and a common understanding of digitalisation. It is not about bits and bytes or complex terminology: it's about having common sense, and the ability to opt-out and make informed decisions. We need to communicate in a language that allows everyone to be included in the conversation about what we can and want with digital. It is a foundation for ensuring a good digital working environment and improving our ability to work constructively with digital developments across the entire workplace. Digital should be the business of all employees: not just the IT department.
For example, as an ordinary employee without an IT professional background, it is relevant to ask yourself:
- What do I want the digital to help me in my working life?
- Do I make sufficient use of the potential of digitalisation?
- How do my work function look like in three to five years – and do I have the right competences?
You have a democratic voice – also on digital issues
The work-related issues of digitalisation cannot stand alone. Digitalisation is an integral part of our entire society today. It is important that the Danish Parliament and the EU provide the framework to maintain control over our digital life. At the same time, it is also crucial for citizens to understand that general democratic principles continue to apply (i.e. one is free to choose which digital services they want to use).
Progress is already taking place – grasp opportunities
There is nothing new in changing our work and daily life with new technological country achievements. A quick look in the history books shows that it is a basic condition for people and that it has been for a long time. However, digitalisation is taking place at a scale and pace that can make it difficult to follow. This is a development that is progressing faster and faster. It is precisely for this reason that it is a great service by taking an interest in the development and prospects and opportunities of it. It is not about being jubeloptimist and embrace any new technology. On the contrary, it is a question of having the capacity to respond critically and constructively to developments that are already taking place. You create your own digital future if you wish.