The changes and opportunities that technological development generates in communities and the challenges it implies for organizations were the main topics addressed by Marcelo Montado, vice president of the Chamber of the Digital Economy of Uruguay (CEDU), in an event organized by the Association of Accountants, Economists and Administrators of Uruguay (CCEAU).
During the conference, called "Digital Transformation, an opportunity for service companies", Montado stated that "we are witnessing a fascinating and unprecedented technological revolution. Transiting between different eras means experiencing changes in the political, economic and social spheres. Digitalization also reaches work, study, commerce, culture and entertainment, where knowledge begins to play a more important role than the ownership of the means of production".
Montado explained that in recent years the emergence of innovative companies, such as Uber and Paypal, opened a red flag among traditional industries, radically changing the way we consume services and products.
He also indicated that in the coming years there will be 50 times more devices connected to the Internet, so that incorporating the digital dimension to entrepreneurship is key to the survival of companies.
Robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning were other elements highlighted by the speaker as fundamental aspects of technological progress.
"Access to information and the generation of collective knowledge has led humanity to advance rapidly from a technological point of view, moving from an economy based on cheap labor to one based on knowledge. The countries that are attractive today are those that have skilled human capital. Therefore, if we invest in education, the States will have fewer people to assist and more population generating wealth", he stressed.
On the other hand, he emphasized that the incorporation of business processes through technologies linked to the Internet, result in increased sales, cost reduction and customer loyalty.
The speaker emphasized that to ensure the success of the development of digital companies, the technological conversion processes must be short and said that it is very valuable to incorporate in the projects to young people who have a digital mindset ready to solve obstacles.
Regarding the situation of the digital economy locally, Montado commented that "technological transformation processes are based on infrastructure and telecommunications in the country are very good. We also have a very high penetration of smartphones and a really amazing Internet coverage.
He stressed that the Ceibal Plan was a highly relevant instrument of technological inclusion from an early age, an advance that added to the outstanding role played by the Uruguayan software industry worldwide and the implementation of e-government.
The country also has a socio-educational level that allows the population to have the necessary knowledge to use digital tools correctly, while energy production is becoming cheaper.
"We have a great challenge ahead, which is to accompany the new business models, ideas and services. Companies must work on a clear strategy, offer good communication and incorporate technology to go through the paradigm shift," he concluded.
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