Road to 2030

Technological disruption

Widespread technological disruption in multiple fields continues to challenge traditional industries and create new products. We think of technology not as a series of objects but as an enabler of the increasing abundance of goods and services, as well as transformations in the workplace, mobility and healthcare.
The Road to 2030 project is an investment-led project designed to articulate possible visions of the future, and the key drivers behind those outcomes. We explore five key themes, one of these is technological disruption.

Managing risk—that is to say, building strategies that are resilient to events like these—is not easy. So what can investors do?

In Road to 2030, we take a practitioner's perspective aided by both internal and external experts to ask the ‘what if’ questions and consider major changes to the status quo.

Forecasting is difficult, especially about the future, but one can prepare for “the future that has already happened”.

The project is laid out in five overarching themes followed by a scenario at the end. At the very least, the Road to 2030 is a horizon-scanning and risk management exercise. At its best, it provides a foundational understanding of the main drivers that will transform markets over the next decade.

Technology is not disruptive because of any individual object or process. Rather, it is disruptive because it provides a medium for change. Technology is the enabler.

How do we think about technological disruption?

Our history is defined by technology, and inevitably our future will be too. When we reflect on technologies that have changed the world, our tendency is to identify objects such as the wheel, the internal combustion engine, the internet, the mobile phone and more.


Looking to 2030, we identify five themes technology is enabling.

  • The increasing abundance of goods and services. Technology has reduced barriers to compete and barriers to access across traditional industries. You no longer need a shop to sell goods nor a television studio to attract large audiences.
  • The workplace is transforming. The application of cloud computing and cybersecurity are two additional enablers in this regard. A transformed workplace means transformed lifestyle habits, and personal mobility.
  • Personal mobility. Not only is technology enabling new modes of transport such as the electric vehicle, but new ownership models and ways of driving, such as self driving taxis. The increasing role and responsibility of technology in our lives is not without consequence.
  • The return of the state. This is needed to ensure fiscal and social equality.
  • Healthcare. We expect greater access, increasing prevention and faster innovation.

We use mindmaps to organise and articulate our thoughts about subjects that are conceptually complex, and below shows our theme technological disruption.

Technology mindmap

SAAS: Software as a Service
GANs: Generative Adversarial Networks

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