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future is hereThat’s the title of Professor Lynda Gratton’s influential book – ‘The Shift; The Future of Work is Already Here’.

Hailed by the Times as one of the top business thinkers in the world, she outlines five forces that will shape the future pattern of work:

Technology

 

Globalisation

Longevity and Demography

Society

Energy Resources

 

At first glance these forces seem very negative. Our young graduates now have to compete in a more competitive global market with people who are prepared to work for much less. Our businesses now face increasing competition from online stores where consumers can buy cheaper versions over the Internet. However, it’s not all doom and gloom.

These changes also see more people across the world working together to share ideas and co-create products that are born global from their inception. We are seeing a rise in empathy and social innovation with more than 34 per cent of social enterprises now operating in Australia being less than five years old. We are also seeing a growth in micro-entrepreneurship as people turn their ideas into creative businesses. We now have a growing number of mumpreneurs, seniorpreneurs and even teen entrepreneurs!

The future of work is already here and we need to make sure we have the skills to embrace it.

 

About Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre
Lighthouse has a strong track record of supporting entrepreneurs, researchers and inventers on the path from concept to commercialisation. Since July 2008, Lighthouse has worked with over 990 distinct enterprises and provided group and peer based services to over 3400 enterprises and individuals. For over five years Lighthouse has successfully delivered business advice, education, mentorship and networking opportunities to help these businesses commercialise their ideas and grow their companies. Lighthouse also delivers programs such as the ACT Microcredit Program for the ACT Government. Visit www.lighthouseinnovation.com.au for more information.