Key Areas for Technological Innovation

Technological innovations revolutionize the way we, as members of society and a university, function and interact. Over the past 20 years or so, the internet has driven the information revolution, and I believe that it will continue to shape and mold our society for several years to come. Right now, the internet offers several services and access to a wide array of information. But there is still room for improvement. The first key is to find an easy and cost-effective method to make the internet accessible to everyone everywhere. By doing this, more users will log on which increases the probability of the creation of new programs and new uses for this revolutionary technology. Of course, in addition to new developments on the web, this increased access to information will likely spur economic development in several of the underprivileged parts of the world as entrepreneurs and politicians can work together to spur economic growth in a well-informed and conscientious way.

Mobile media are also a key emergent areas. Cellular phones, PDAs, touch iPods and other items that facilitate communication and access to information are increasingly important because they connect people in an effortless and convenient way. Staying in touch 50 years ago was difficult- no cell phones, no internet, and no emails. Today, using tools such as Skype, emails, IM, and other programs helps keep people together and in the loop, and this changes the way people’s social networks are set up. Such items allow for broader networks and more communication simply because it is so easy. As we progress into the future, the enormity of the opportunity with mobile media becomes more and more apparent, and service providers will certainly capitalize upon this by unveiling new products and innovations.

On the flip side of this, there will always be flash-in-the-pan fads that come and go. Right now, I believe that video games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band are the new hot item, but with time, their popularity will inevitably diminish because of the limited amount of diversion they provide and the competition that the future will bring. Products such as these are not necessary and tend to lose their luster with time. However, the broader genre of video games will be around for a long time mainly because of its consistent appeal to certain demographics and its engaging and immersive nature.

As for academia, I see changes happening throughout the university. In the majority of my public policy classes and electives, professors have integrated the internet into their classes somehow, whether it is through Blackboard or some other program like LexisNexis, Youtube, or Google Scholar. The change, however, oftentimes begins with the more technologically-oriented departments such as ISIS or computer science. Once these departments adopt certain technologies, others slowly catch on. Additionally, over the upcoming years as professors become more comfortable with technology, we will see it become increasingly utilized in the classroom; simple familiarity and confidence in using technology are the biggest structural changes and these will be overcome with time.

Technology is a continually changing and evolving being that both reflects and molds society, and there are several key areas for innovation and creativity. The internet, in addition to mobile media and other key technological areas, provides tremendous opportunities to develop new technologies and spark a revolution that changes the way we live today.