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RESEARCH, ANALYSIS & TRENDS

involves decision making, planning, or creativity comes The power of human connections
in at 18%. This kind of creative work could be anything
from project consulting to dreaming up menus for the While computer programming may become a bad
new vegan restaurant in town. career choice for the future (should a joint initiative
between Microsoft and Cambridge University success-
So, although computers win out when it comes to fully manage to teach computers how to write their own
executing very well-defined activities, the fact is code), there is good news for the sense makers
humans are still better at being human. They drive amongst them. Knowing which robot to use, which
original processes with perceptivity, intuition and digital platform to apply among the many will be critical
occasional bursts of genius. The power of the human as technology sophisticates. Or knowing which drone
imagination is still a force to be reckoned with, because and which spatial data technology to choose among the
it synthesizes simultaneous and highly complex levels breathtaking range of digital recreations.
of human processing into one neurological response.
Emotion, reason and adaptability, instinct and No longer in the back rooms, consultants, project
discernment, have a role to play in influencing extra- managers, and even artists will be needed to blend the
ordinarily unique outcomes in ways that computers still machine coded elements on the master canvas to
fail to do. solve the client’s problem logically and in a way that
‘feels right’.
The new job gaps
Expert advisory isn’t just about mastering the
“Don’t believe the hype,” says Forrester Consulting, in technology; it’s about being able to eyeball your clients,
their 2016 report on The Future of White-Collar Work: ask questions, understand their needs and build trust
Sharing Your Cubicle with Robots, “Google AlphaGo’s over time. Who knows? Maybe in time robots will give
gaming successes and IBM Watson will not usher in a Dr. Phil a run for his money. But for now, we can
dystopian triumph of machines over humans.” Instead, breathe a sigh of relief. Those who master a mix of
they suggest, it will be more a case of kumbaya problem solving, emotional intelligence and creativity
between man and machine. Although the report will stay in the game.
predicts 16% of US jobs will be replaced, it also says As opposed to 6-figure stability, agility is now the
we’re going to invent 9% new jobs to make sense of all coveted mark of a successful leader. Tomorrow’s story
these new digital tools.
will be steered by those who are willing to see the
In fact, by 2025, a batch of 8.9 million new jobs is gaps. It’s time we open up our show and tell catwalks
predicted to be served up in the US alone: jobs like data and strut some deep learning. ◊
scientists, automation specialists, and content curators.
Consultants will especially be needed to unpack this By Mike Pinkerton,
new paradigm and bridge digital divides in the Spatial Surveying Leader,
workplace: such a pivotal role that consultancy is Aurecon
expected to grow 10% by 2025.
This post originally appeared on
Aurecon’s Just Imagine blog.

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