We notice now that one of the biggest changes in the labor market and the world, in general, is digital transformation. Moving towards a completely digital world were most activities if not all of them are done by simply clicking a few buttons is a dream for a lot of people.
However, although steps towards digital transformation are being taken we notice that the course is still very slow. We are after all still in the beginning. The impact is not something we can predict. However, there is one thing that we certainly know.
Digital transformation will in every way shape policies, societies, and economies. It will greatly impact the lives of citizens across Europe. As a result, there are numerous theories as to how life will look like after digital transformation takes over.
The ground needs to be prepared and all potential outcomes need to be measured. Digital transformation will have a lot of opportunities but it will pose a lot of challenges as well. The stakeholders who will be responsible to create the future strategies will need to know all the potential scenarios that will affect their work.
Clarifying all potential scenarios is tricky. There are a plethora of different factors that can affect digital transformation and each factor can create a different outcome. Still, some scenarios appear more often. Based on those, we could somewhat predict the future of Europe in the digital transformation era and perhaps even apply some risk management techniques.
Scenarios that paint the future of digital transformation in the EU
The perfect scenario:
There is the potential that when digital transformation starts, all EU Member states will be able to synchronize and apply the best techniques, bringing Europe to an era of innovation and evolution. In this scenario, we will notice an economic growth that will set Europe apart. Citizens will use their newly found digital skills to enhance their own business and the labor market will open up to new possibilities. Although this is a Utopian scenario, it is a real possibility.
Only a few will transform scenario:
Some countries across Europe are already ready to welcome digital transformation. They are already acting as digital innovation hubs and they have the potential to evolve even more. In this scenario, these countries will be ready to welcome digital transformation, faster and easier than others.
As a result, inequalities will be created. These countries will receive more funding, more investments, and more opportunities. EU Members who are not able to support digital transformation will fall behind. In this scenario, we will see new waves of migration across Europe with young people aiming to move to bigger centers in search of employment. This scenario will have a massive political as well as economic impact that will separate Europe. Some believe that this scenario could even cause Europe to collapse.
The security scenario:
This scenario plays on the “dark side” of digital transformation. There is no doubt that all this change will hide risks. Some of these risks will be even more dangerous for the security of Europe and its citizens. In this scenario, Europe focuses on enhancing digital security in every way, investing and funding actions that will quickly set Europe apart as a security expert in this new era. A global leader in digital security.
Seeing as the weight will fall on security, Europe will fall behind in other forms of digital transformation. There will be a great need for outside collaborators. Last but not least, we will notice a change in politics, seeing the need for maximum security will take away certain freedoms.
Enhancing digital transformation in Europe
These are three of the many potential scenarios that will be tested as soon as the digital transformation begins to settle in Europe. Depending on the readiness of the countries, the willingness to evolve, and reach the next level and the amount of budget that will be allocated, it is safe to assume that we can avoid the worse possible outcome.
It is still very early to lean towards only one potential result. There is still not enough data to go on. However, we can say with certainty that no matter what, the European Union will give a lot of funding to enhance digital transformation and make the passing as smooth and easy as possible.
A lot of European programmes will include calls targeted towards digital transformation. A lot of organizations and businesses will change their course and try to focus more on digital literacy. Whichever the case, readiness is the key and a number one priority.
Do your research, find the digital transformation calls that will suit you the most, and start working towards evolving your business and becoming an important stakeholder in the digital transformation era. This is a time of change and you need to start getting ready!
