🎓 The purpose of the fifth technological revolution

Ours is not a radically new time, but rather a fourth industrial revolution with the irruption of a new technology. In contrast to previous revolutions, we are already aware that the current one is “the prelude to the fifth revolution”. We know it will happen and when: “the moment we reach technological singularity”. That is, the instant when “machines are smarter than us”. 

For economist and specialist in Digital Transformation Marc Vidal, this is an inevitable scenario, but not one that worries him. “Just because they’re smarter doesn't mean they have a conscience”. Technology will give us the means, but the ends will still depend on human will. “Technology will be smarter than us, but work for us”. 

In the context of the ‘Education Talks’ on educational innovation, Vidal has reflected on the implications that these transformations will have on the world of education. “Education will not be so much an accumulation of data as an accumulation of attitudes”. And among the most valuable attitudes will be “flexibility”. 

It will also have an impact on the world of work, but not with a destructive effect but rather a generative effect. “The most robotised economies are those closest to full employment. Automation generates efficiency and, the higher the productivity, the more jobs”. 

However, these jobs will be different from current jobs. “The job of the future will be in places where you need to get along with a robot. It won't be a robot that takes your job, but someone who works better than you with the robot”, he said. 

Vidal, who spoke with the journalist and professor of Radio technology of our university, Carles Lamelo, believes that it is important not to take an antagonistic stance towards technology. On the contrary, “our role in the future will be to stand alongside technology”. 

VI Education Talks

The video-conversation with Vidal is part of the 6th Education Talks. With the participation of Chema Lázaro, Victor Küppers, Èlia López Cassà, Marc Vidal, Luis Cros and Anna Forés. Watch the full video on the Education Talks website. 

Education Talks is the platform for educational innovation created by the University. Through this initiative, the University offers educators a place to reflect on their work and the meaning of the profound transformations that the educational world is undergoing.