Digital Transformation: a Friend or a Foe
The central theme of the event called 4x10 minutes on dynamic future and digital transformation was the present and future role of digitization in the business, economic, political, media and social world, both in Slovenia and abroad. The event brought together experts from various fields in one place, since this time the ambassador of Great Britain in Slovenia, a computer expert and a refugee from Afghanistan, a CEO of successful digital company D.Labs and a managing editor assistant at Delo newspaper revealed their insight.
As pointed out by Lovro Peterlin, the newly elected president of the Section of Young Managers and the representative of the organizers: "Our future is definitely digital and dynamic. The impact of technology is inevitable in the business, social and economic level, while its consequences depend on us."
From captivity to diplomacy, digital transformation is inevitable
Sophie Honey, the ambassador of Great Britain in Slovenia, spoke about the role of technology in social and political relations and believes it is particularly useful in diplomacy. "Technology is a great tool allowing rapid transfer of information, it educates and connects people. At the same time, it is extremely addictive therefore, it is necessary for us to monitor and pass on this stance to the next generations." According to her belief, human relations are the most important and require communication in the real world as well.
To young Safiullah Ebadi, a computer expert and refugee from Afghanistan, digital transformation forms his life path. As an expert in digital systems, in 2010 he participated in NATO projects where he was developing tracking and global positioning systems. Three years later he was captured by Talibans under suspicion of cooperation with the United States, he then spent 20 days in captivity and was released after the ransom was paid. Shortly afterwards he decided to leave the country. At the 4x10 minutes, he spoke about his life goal: "After coming to Slovenia, I had to decide whether to stay and start my life here or not. I stayed. I wish to create a safety program that would prevent NATO to use the technological power over the weaker and poorer countries".
Jaka Levstek, the CEO of D.Labs, an experienced start-up mentor, a manager, online veteran and entrepreneur, revealed his view on digital transformation in terms of broader social and corporate changes. He emphasizes that the perception of digital transformation depends on us, whether we fear it or see it as an opportunity: "It is not only about the technological revolution, also not so much about the changes in the needs of its users. It is about the urgent need to adapt our understanding of the role of companies compared to the generation of Millennials who understand these roles drastically differently. This fills us with fear, which we have to manage if we are to build permanent organizations".
Jernej Verbič, a managing editor assistant at Delo newspaper and a media idealist, highlighted the impact of digitization on the media industry, while the positive or negative stance depends on us. As he says: "The principle of 'digital first' can also be a trap, not only precedence. The global media houses, which were the first to choose the digital supremacy, are warning those who started to follow them just now to consider carefully how to preserve more of the 'analog'. Especially in the process of creating high-quality journalistic stories that also require more time and money."
The event of 4x10 minutes addressed the dynamic future and digital transformation, and was for the fourth year in a row organized under the Section of Young Managers, in collaboration with the International Section and the Section of Women Managers.