The Paradox of Technology

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Rapid technological development confers great advantages. It makes possible new methodologies, inspires new kinds of thinking and gives us access to new kinds of tools. These translate into political, economic and social advantages that put entities like companies and nations ahead of others. Early advantages tend to accrue and build a solid lead. But herein lies the paradox of technology.

The problem with technology is that while it confers great advantages, it is useless unless it is used. The US has developed highly advanced military technology that put it far ahead of other nations. All of that hardware and its associated software are essentially pieces of junk unless they are used. Similarly, new types of battery technologies are under development to power all the portable networked devices that are being used and will be used in the future. The first company that develops a long life portable battery will attain a large commercial advantage; an advantage that will be useless until the technology is introduced. Countless other similar arguments can be given.

However, as soon as a particular technology is used, it can be copied. Take cloning as an example. As soon as Dolly the sheep was cloned, a number of other animals were also cloned. The first child to be born through IVF treatment was a miracle. Today it is routine. This is the paradox. Technology development confers great advantages which are unrealized and therefore useless until said technology is used whereupon it can be copied. The lead time of the advantage obtained has progressively shortened over time. Only too frequently, companies are realizing, the full gains of the technology development do not accrue to the pioneer but to a competitor who comes along later. Increasingly this competitor is coming from an industry traditionally viewed as unrelated.

This is another strand in the paradox of technology. After a long period of time during which there was separate development in various technological areas, a great convergence is taking place. Industries traditionally viewed as separate are being joined together. Suddenly old competencies are not only useless, they are hindrances. This is true at all levels whether personal, corporate, institutional or national. All of us without exception are in a race where we are not only continuously running, we are running at an ever increasing pace. The ultimate paradox is that technology both liberates us and at the same time enslaves us.