We hear a lot nowadays about the astronomical rate of change our planet’s confronting, together with often mind-bending predictions on what the world will evolve to look like in our lifetime, and beyond.

If I was ever in any doubt about the nature and scope of advancement heading our way, I certainly wasn’t after the recent New Zealand Chambers of Commerce National Conference, which I attended in my capacity as Wanaka Chamber Vice-Chair.

The stand-out speaker for me was Tane Hunter, a futurist and co-founder of Future Crunch (you can check out the website here).

Talk takeaways

So, what are A glimpse into the future we in for? Here’s a little of what Tane had to share …

Growth in the global economy will largely be driven by data. The current technological advances will dramatically increase productivity and change the economy significantly. That doesn’t mean that jobs will disappear; but, the types of jobs will change.

If you have youngsters and they want to be at the forefront of the new economy, studying computer science is where it’s at.

The coal industry is in terminal decline, as coal-fired power stations are simply uneconomic compared to the alternatives.

Three different technologies – the smart phone, the electric vehicle and artificial intelligence – are converging to create a revolution in the transport industry. It is predicted that, within a few years, electric cars will be cheaper, more durable and more reliable than petrol-powered cars, and autonomy will be advanced enough that we won’t need human drivers. No one will even need to own their own car – you’ll be able to dial up a vehicle on your phone. What’s more, the cost of taking a car trip will be cheaper than getting a coffee. No more parking hassles, fewer traffic jams, less pollution and a dramatic decline in road deaths.

New-look work ethic

Within a few years, 50 percent of the worldwide workforce will be under 30. Millennials and Generation Z have a different view on life. They will prefer taking on short-term employment assignments or working as consultants, rather than being a full-time, long-term employee. They will demand work-life balance, and will likely have a dozen or more careers in their lifetime. They will also expect the companies that they work for, and buy goods from, to be involved with socially and environmentally-beneficial projects, rather than just focusing on making a profit.

But some things never go out of fashion, it seems. The most important attributes of employees in the future will be those core skills that have endured across the ages: the ability to communicate and co-operate in a team environment.

Feedback, comments and questions are always welcomed – please feel free to e-mail me on [email protected]

T: 03 443 0900

W: www.aspiringlaw.co.nz

Mike Toepfer is a Director of, and Senior Legal Adviser at, Aspiring Law. Please remember, this information is designed as a general guide, and should not replace specific legal advice on a particular issue.