As the world enters an unprecedented crisis, it is becoming clear that there will be terrible personal and economic costs for many. The UK Prime Minister has called for a ‘Digital Dunkirk’: but what exactly will this fight mean in the long term for the UK’s thriving tech ecosystem?
The exponential demand for video conferencing continues on its upward trend – along with the share price of Zoom – but what is the best way to manage virtual and remote environments? Will this lead to a positive socioeconomic impact by giving workers with care commitments greater access to the workplace? Here at Founders Academy, we will be trialling virtual working to try and unlock the hidden opportunities that many businesses are only just beginning to fully explore.
Another real challenge is the on-boarding process for new recruits. As we prepare to start with our placement partners in mid-April, there is a real possibility we will be joining during a period of enforced working from home. If integrating yourself into a new business is not tough enough, doing it without meeting your colleagues face-to-face will present different challenges. What preparations can be put in place to manage this transition?
Many sectors will have to adapt quickly to meet the needs of a self-isolating population. Have we been slow to embrace the benefits of the digital age?
In healthcare, video consultations between patients and doctors could have been commonplace years ago, but progress in the NHS is often challenging to say the least, as digital providers such as Livi and Babylon Health can attest to. When demand for healthcare support outstrips the supply of workers, video consultation will become the new norm and we may even see patients embracing Ada’s conversational AI.
As the public readies itself on the home-front, Olio (the food-sharing company) may struggle to convince their users that wandering over to your neighbours with leftovers is still a great idea. But conversely, a localised community platform may be exactly what we need to ensure healthy individuals can support the sick.
If schools are forced to close, how will the education system prevent a generation of children falling behind? Could virtual learning environments be the answer? Equally, how will a self-isolating workforce be able to remain productive whilst managing childcare responsibilities? Childcare platform Koru Kids will have to balance fluctuations in demand with a healthy workforce of nannies.
As habits and mindsets start to shift, true innovation will follow. Founders Academy has been designed around AQ (adaptability quotient), the ability to thrive in an uncertain, dynamic and purpose-driven environment. I’ll be exploring and sharing how the UK tech ecosystem is stepping up to this challenge over the coming months. There is no doubt that difficult times are ahead, personally and professionally, for all, but COVID-19 does not have to be our darkest hour.
If you’re in the ecosystem and interested in sharing the challenges, opportunities and lessons over the coming weeks then please get in touch.
The post Crises are a Catalyst for Innovation appeared first on Founders Academy - Learn | Apply | Adapt.