The Impact of Technology from Coursera

In this course, you will learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology – in general, as well as for a specific application. This will prepare you for the changes that we are facing in society, and also help you take advantage of transformations that are driven by technology.

The Impact of Technology course takes a broad approach, including social and economic factors. You will study historical examples and learn to recognize recurring patterns and cycles. The curriculum includes general innovation theories, foresight methodology, value chain disruption, and strategy.

The general process is as follows. First, you to learn how to draw a map of the potential future business landscape. After that, you identify interesting future business roles in emerging value networks. Finally, we find a path from where we are today to a desired end state. You will analyze how an industry or market may change if the technology which is available today is fully implemented in a 10 to 20-year perspective. In addition, you will identify barriers to such a development and make estimates regarding the timing.

The course includes a number of assignments to facilitate your learning – some of them compulsory.

We all know that the future can’t be fully predicted in detail. However, the methods presented in this course will help you identify potential consequences. In this way, you will get a toolbox for decision-making in the areas of technology, investments, career path, research & development, or portfolio management.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to The Impact of Technology

Welcome to the course! We start with a short introduction module where you will get a general introduction, a description of the overall process we will follow, a historical example and an assignment. You will after this module have a good general overview of the course and knowledge about what you will learn and what to expect.

Theory and models - practical use

Relevant theories will help us in estimating the impact of technology. In this module three key innovation theories are included and by the end a more broad perspective is introduced.

Technology delta and barriers

When estimating the potential impact of a technology, it is essential to understand the technology delta: How much better is the new technology and is this delta significant enough to overcome the barriers to implementation and realise its full potential? We will in this module look at both the technology delta and the barriers to implementation. Supporting this analysis, the Gartner hype cycle, megatrends and industry transformation are given special attention.

Foresight

Foresight in general, and backcasting in particular, is included in this module. After a general overview this module is built around one interactive sequential backcasting case.

Value networks

Technologies with a significant impact put existing value networks out of balance. New value networks are emerging around new technologies. This module covers value networks basics and let's you practice how to predict potential new value network roles and structures.

Business roles and ideas

Roles within value networks are further studied in this module. The role, its relationships and dependencies are analyzed. You will learn how to assess, chose and develop a, for you, interesting value network role.

Strategy

It's not enough to identify potential roles, we also need to know how to get from where we are today to a desired position. The impact of a technology depends on how it is implemented. This module gives you some basic insights regarding strategy and what to consider regarding its formulation and implementation.

Finale - The Impact of Technology

We have come to the end of the course. This video and the exam are the final elements included.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to fundamental theories and models that are used in understanding how technology impacts industry in the long-term

Develops skills in foresight methodology and identifying and analyzing historical examples and recurring patterns and cycles

Develops skills in technology delta and barrier analysis, value chain disruption, and strategy formulation

Provides learners with a structured process to assess potential future business roles in emerging value networks

Involves assignments to facilitate learning, making course concepts more applicable and accessible

Embraces a multi-modal approach, including videos, readings, discussions, interactive sequential backcasting case, and an exam

Reviews summary

Well received educational course

Learners say that this interesting and fun course about the impact of technology is worth taking. Educators did a great job on this presentation. Reviewers thank the team for their hard work.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Impact of Technology with these activities:

Review Value Chain Analysis

Show steps

Strengthen understanding of value chain analysis concepts and their application in assessing industry dynamics and potential technology impacts.

Browse courses on Value Chain Analysis

Show steps

Recall or review the principles of value chain analysis.
Identify and analyze the key activities within a specific industry's value chain.

Read The Innovator's Dilemma

Show steps

Gain insights into the challenges of sustaining innovation in established companies and the importance of recognizing and embracing disruptive technologies.

View The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books) on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the first five chapters and take notes.
Summarize the main arguments of the book.

Explore Technology Forecasting Methods

Show steps

Enhance understanding of various technology forecasting methodologies and their application in predicting future technological advancements.

Show steps

Identify different technology forecasting methods.
Select a specific method and learn its principles.
Apply the method to a real-world technology forecasting scenario.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Read Crossing the Chasm

Show steps

Gain insights into the challenges of transitioning a technology from early adopters to mainstream users, and develop strategies for successful market penetration.

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the first five chapters and take notes.
Summarize the key concepts of the book.

Estimate Technology Barriers

Show steps

Develop the ability to identify and evaluate potential barriers to technology adoption and implementation.

Show steps

Identify a specific technology.
Research and list potential barriers to its adoption.
Evaluate the significance and likelihood of each barrier.

Discuss Technology Trends

Show steps

Engage in discussions with peers to exchange perspectives and gain diverse insights on emerging technology trends and their potential impact.

Browse courses on Technology Trends

Show steps

Join or form a study group or online discussion forum.
Identify current technology trends and research their implications.
Share findings and engage in discussions with peers.

Develop a Technology Impact Plan

Show steps

Practice applying the principles of technology impact assessment to a specific industry or organization.

Show steps

Select a specific technology and industry.
Analyze the potential impact of the technology on the industry.
Develop a plan to mitigate negative impacts and maximize positive impacts.

Develop a Technology Adoption Roadmap

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience in developing a comprehensive roadmap for successful technology adoption within an organization.

Browse courses on Technology Adoption

Show steps

Identify the target technology and its potential benefits.
Assess the organization's readiness for technology adoption.
Create a detailed plan outlining the implementation process, timelines, and resource requirements.

Career center

Learners who complete The Impact of Technology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Technology Investment Analyst

Technology Investment Analysts are responsible for analyzing and making recommendations on investments in technology companies. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Technology Investment Analyst. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for identifying and investing in companies that are likely to benefit from the impact of new technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Investment Analyst

Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Venture Capitalist. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for identifying and investing in companies that are likely to benefit from the impact of new technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Venture Capitalist

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for developing and managing products. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Product Manager. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for developing products that meet the needs of the market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Innovation Manager

Innovation Managers are responsible for leading and managing innovation projects. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as an Innovation Manager. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for identifying and developing new products and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Innovation Manager

Research Analyst

Research Analysts are responsible for conducting research to identify and analyze trends. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Research Analyst. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for identifying and understanding trends.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Analyst

Strategy Consultant

Strategy Consultants advise clients on how to develop and implement strategies. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Strategy Consultant. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for developing strategies that take into account the impact of new technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Strategy Consultant

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Systems Analyst. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for designing systems that are resilient to the impact of new technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying and managing risks. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Risk Manager. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for identifying and managing risks associated with new technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers are responsible for leading and managing sales teams. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Sales Manager. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for developing sales strategies that take into account the impact of new technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are in high demand as companies increasingly rely on technology to drive growth. This course teaches you how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for a Business Analyst. You'll learn how to draw a map of the potential future business landscape, identify interesting future business roles in emerging value networks, and find a path from where you are today to a desired end state. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Data Analyst. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for understanding how data can be used to drive business decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Project Manager. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for managing projects that involve new technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Market Researcher

Market Researchers are responsible for conducting research to understand consumer behavior. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Market Researcher. You'll learn how to use theories and methods to make predictions of the potential impact of new technology, which can be invaluable for understanding how new technologies are likely to be adopted by consumers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Consultant

Consultants advise clients on how to improve their businesses. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Consultant. You'll learn how to analyze how an industry or market may change if the technology which is available today is fully implemented in a 10 to 20-year perspective. You'll also learn how to identify barriers to such a development and make estimates regarding the timing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data and making recommendations on investments. This course can help you build a solid foundation for a successful career as a Financial Analyst. You'll learn how to analyze how an industry or market may change if the technology which is available today is fully implemented in a 10 to 20-year perspective. You'll also learn how to identify barriers to such a development and make estimates regarding the timing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst