The Future is Hiding in Plain Sight
This article is one in the “shape the debate” series relating to the 11th Global Peter Drucker Forum, under the theme “The Power of Ecosystems” taking place on November 21 & 22, 2019 in Vienna, Austria. #GPDF19 #ecosystems
New technologies have radically transformed society, business and industries. Today, the world is much more adventuresome, connected, and disruptive than yesterday. As our world is reshaping and new ecosystems are emerging, education must adapt an active, new approach.
Education can have a significant impact on developing an open mind and preparing us for the world of tomorrow. However, in the midst of technological and economic disruption, a too specialised degree or education can be a handicap.
Granted, a university cannot teach you everything. Yet, despite the changing ecosystem, universities still render creative capabilities and achievements in relation to grades of the past. This is discouraging because it not only under-assesses potential and talent, it also measures curiosity through inflexible standards.
For business to meet its needs in innovation, and for education to satisfy this generation of inquisitive minds, it is imperative that we endorse an ecosystem without boundaries – one that has yet to be given clear rules. The world is no longer convenient or mechanistic. The best managers, business executives and world leaders know this. They are more intrigued with new ideas and ambitions, people who think differently, take initiative and learn outside the classroom.
Undeniably, we need to drop our prejudices and dispense with an education system born out of the Industrial Revolution. We need to promote those who express their own ideas, curiosity and intelligence – in contrast to those focused on memorisation. We need to encourage and illuminate multifaceted activities and achievements, which are at first glance out of our reach and perhaps even difficult to grasp. The future is hiding in plain sight – and not in a gilded classroom.
About the Author:
Sebastian Woller, a finalist for the Drucker Challenge in 2018, is a management professional with experience in various sectors
This article is one in the Drucker Forum “shape the debate” series relating to the 11th Global Peter Drucker Forum, under the theme “The Power of Ecosystems”, taking place on November 21-22, 2019 in Vienna, Austria #GPDF19 #ecosystems
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2yThanks for sharing, Sebastian :)
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6yHi, loved the article, and believe that there may be a few more questions and potential answers out there, particularly: (a) It may be worthwhile to look more at both the pre-industrial revolution apprenticeship concept as providing potential solutions as well as on the practical skills-building classes that have been abrogated by many schools in favor of less practical “academic” courses, many of which stress rote memorization (b) At a university level, many academics harbor an inherent bias against practical education, particularly liberal arts and social science professors as well as, more dangerously, law faculties. In fact, institutions seem perfectly comfortable outsourcing professional training to industry, when and if their students actually get hired (which can be a big when). (c) In the US, many students would rather obtain a less marketable degree in literature or anthropology than a more marketable trade-oriented technical skill – a choice that can often lead to underemployment. There are always exceptions, but I believe that the road begins with the question that all parents and educators should ask themselves – are we helping to create responsible adults who can function both at home and in the workplace.
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6yWell written, Sebastian!