One of the key benefits of a creative mindset is it allows us to speculate “what if”?
It allows us to envision passed the end of a process:
"In the linear process of A to B what comes after Z? Do we start again or could there be more letters”?
A creative mindset lends itself to innovative thinking and allows us to anticipate, and prepare, for future trends, based off more than one source or trend.
I am by no means a 'Futurist' - however here is my key prediction that will affect the majority of industries for the next 50 years.
Decentralisation of services will be the trend for the next 50 years.
Here is a quick list of some industries affected by, and adopting to, a decentralised model;
Economic services: banking, insurance, home loans, business loans, superannuation.
Retail: online shopping, last mile delivery ** including food delivery.
Transport: ride share, taxi's, public transport
Accommodation: Air BnB, other home share,
Administration: off-shore teams, V.A’s, digital nomads
By no means a comprehensive list, these are all modern examples, that have sprung up in the last 10 years within Australia, and this is only the beginning.
** Despite all the predictions, Amazon’s growth within Australia has been sluggish (at best) since they fundamentally misjudge the Australian culture.
Observing economic, technological and (most importantly) social factors, I predict two evolutions will develop in tandem over the next 50 years:
Every major industry will need to adapt to a decentralised landscape.
The public/consumer will seek services within their digital village.
You can hopefully see how these evolutions move hand in hand and in parallel.
This creates a unique opportunity for organisations to capitalise on this tandem evolution in order to propel themselves forward. Rather than force the public to come to them, they can create avenues to meet their audience on their own terms.
This establishes trust; being available to your audience, on their terms, to satisfy their needs.
Trust. Familiarity. Positive word of mouth.
The same principles employed in previous decades by repeating the brand’s name in order to establish themselves as an authority, have evolved to being available to an audience.
Major industries that fail to identify and adapt to these evolutions are going to struggle, if they aren't already.
Utilities such as internet, water, electricity and gas are key culprits; operating under the understanding that they own the supply, so 'watcha gonna do'?
The answer: 'We'll go elsewhere'.
For example, solar energy companies are perfectly placed to capitalise on these trends, since they collectively address the following:
Green energy.
Available; the system is installed in the customers home, granting them autonomy.
Solar is future proof.
It opens the pathway to Green Internet, installed direct to the consumer.
In fact, Australian's are the largest adopters of solar energy than any other country.
The U.S is a little slower to adopt to solar; all it would take is the right brand to connect and we should start to see one or two solar leaders.
This is one example of Decentralisation ---> Innovation ---> Futurism.
What is more important is to recognise how decentralisation may affect your industry and how you can adapt to it... if you choose to.
This is the key benefit of innovation; the ability to interpret a mass of information, from various sources, and draw out unique insights, in order to solve complex problems.
* * * * *
To learn more about solutions I design, leaders I coach and creative teams I work with, view my services here.
Christopher. S. Sellers is a Speaker + Author on Creativity + Innovation
Founder + Director of Black Bulb Creative