Are Kiwi businesses ready for next gen technology?

28th of November 2018

22 per cent of SMEs said technology would not have an impact on their industry over the next few years

Of those who expect change, 23 per cent believe improvements in connectivity (the internet) will have the greatest impact on their industry.

Kiwi business owners are struggling to keep up with the pace of technological change – even as their businesses are disrupted by it – according to a new report, released today.

According to the latest MYOB Future of Business report, future technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and the internet-of-things, are now significantly disrupting the way we live and work. However, few local businesses seem prepared for the level of change anticipated by futurists and global leaders – despite the evidence all around them.

According to the company’s nationwide research – conducted for the report – more than a fifth (22 per cent) of New Zealand’s SME owners said technology would not have an impact on their business over the next few years.

Of those who anticipate technological disruption, just 14 per cent expect rapidly evolving trends like AI and robotics to impact their industry, while just 6 per cent expect machine learning and 3D printing to do the same.

In contrast, over a fifth (23 per cent) of local operators said they expect improvements in connectivity – i.e. their access to the internet – to change their industry.

MYOB futurist in residence Keran McKenzie says while the internet, and faster, more reliable broadband might well benefit businesses over the next few years, it’s questionable whether such technology will continue to impact New Zealand businesses in the same way AI, robots and the blockchain will.

“If we compare current technology like the internet and cloud computing to that expected in the next three to five years, the so-called ‘transformative’ paper-to-desktop era of the last 20 years was simply the beginning of our technology journey,” Keran says.

“Today, the next wave of disruption – the dawn of General AI, nanobots, the internet-of-things, big data and the blockchain – is imminent, and is set to change everything we know about technology and the role it plays in business.”

He says businesses should embrace new technology rather than avoid it or wait until it’s too late.

“New technology is only going to support and enhance everything we do – from growing crops for a small community to curing cancer for the entire human race,” Keran says.

“While there are certainly challenges to overcome and decisions to be made, the idea of disruption isn’t new – in fact, we’ve experienced it before.”

Keran says new technology can be compared to that of the industrial revolution, so businesses should expect the same level of disruption – and subsequent success – over the next few years too.

“With the right mindset, tools and resources, technology like AI and machine learning, robotics and the internet-of-things will only strengthen a business’ ability to solve their customers’ greatest problems.”

To help Kiwi businesses make the most of modern technology – and succeed in the face of disruption – Keran says they should be curious, get stuff done, embrace change, find their ‘A’ players and most importantly, fall in love with the problem they’re trying to solve.

Keran’s five tips to help businesses prepare for tomorrow:

(1) Be curious

“Ask the hard questions, be creative and continue to find new ways of doing things.”

(2) Get stuff done

“Don’t forget to go out and do things. Take matters into your own hands and keep going when you make a mistake.”

(3) Embrace change

“Don’t fear change – embrace it. Look for the opportunities that lie ahead and take advantage of new technology before your competitors do.”

(4) Find your ‘A’ players

“Surround yourself with motivated, creative and talented people. Remember, if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”

(5) Fall in love with the problem

“Businesses solve problems – if you’re not in love with yours, then all of the technology in the world won’t help you to solve it.”

To download the full report, visit: https://www.myob.com/nz/about/future-of-business

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