Bridging Market, Technology, and Talent
In a world marked by rapid technological change and increasingly complex business challenges, interdisciplinarity is key to success. As an educator and sociologist with 20 years of experience in IT and sales, I’ve come to an intriguing realization: the connection between education, technology, and business is no coincidence. It’s a compelling example of how proactivity and an interdisciplinary approach drive progress and profoundly transform society and organizations.
This insight led me to a surprising comparison between Maria Theresa’s 18th-century reforms and today’s challenges in digital transformation. Although these periods and contexts seem worlds apart, both highlight the critical role of "selling" ideas in implementing profound changes.
The empress's visionary introduction of compulsory schooling laid the foundation for modernizing society. Her goals extended beyond education to a broader societal transformation: modernizing the state and economy, reducing poverty, centralization, and enhancing competitiveness. These ambitions strikingly mirror the challenges businesses face today in their digital transformation journeys.
A Call for a Modern Maria Theresa
Today, more than three centuries later, we seem to need a modern Maria Theresa to introduce compulsory digital literacy in our education systems. Just as mandatory schooling once established the foundations for nations’ competitiveness in the industrial era, it is now imperative to embed digital skills and basic computing into compulsory education. Without this, we risk falling behind in a world where digital literacy is a fundamental skill.
Currently, the lack of systematic inclusion of digital competencies in mandatory education places us in a position akin to nations that ignored Maria Theresa’s reforms in the 18th century. The difference today is that changes occur much faster, and the consequences of lagging behind can be even more dramatic.
Selling Ideas
Just as the ruler of the Habsburg lands had to "sell" the idea of compulsory education to a skeptical public, today we face the challenge of convincing all stakeholders—from policymakers to parents and teachers—of the necessity of integrating digital skills into basic education. This isn’t merely about adding a new subject to the curriculum; it’s about fundamentally rethinking literacy in the 21st century.
In this context, the ability to sell ideas and visions is becoming a critical skill, even in the business world. Managers find themselves in a role similar to advocates of educational reform: they must "sell" the concept of digital transformation within their organizations. This involves not just selling technological solutions but persuading others of the necessity for comprehensive digital change.
This parallel between the education system and the business world highlights the importance of effective communication and the "selling" of ideas across all levels of society. Managers, much like advocates of educational reforms, must develop an interdisciplinary approach that combines an understanding of technology, business processes, human resources, and broader societal trends.
Effective Managers in the Digital Era
Successful managers in the digital age are those who can:
Recognize the need for digital skills within their organization.
Develop a vision for digital transformation tailored to their company’s specific needs.
Persuasively present this vision to all stakeholders, from employees to the board.
Implement changes that account for both technological and human aspects.
Just as we need advocates for digital literacy in education, we also need managers who champion digital transformation within their organizations. Both play a pivotal role in shaping a society and economy that can thrive in the digital era.
The parallel is no coincidence. In both cases, it’s about recognizing the needs and challenges brought by the digital age. Managers, like advocates of educational reforms, are ambassadors of new ideas. Their ability to "sell" these ideas bridges the gap between theory and practice, fosters the development of new solutions, and accelerates the widespread adoption of new technologies.
Without an effective approach to selling ideas, many innovations would remain underutilized. Organizations would struggle to grow and evolve, and society would adapt more slowly to emerging challenges. Managers who successfully "sell" the concept of digital transformation enhance the competitiveness of their companies and indirectly contribute to raising digital competencies across society as a whole.
Selling Must Not Be Manipulation
It’s crucial to emphasize that selling in this context should not be manipulative. Ethical selling, whether introducing digital literacy in schools or transforming businesses digitally, is rooted in honesty, transparency, and mutual benefit. It aims to solve genuine problems rather than exploit opportunities for personal gain. It builds long-term relationships and adheres to ethical principles.
In the broadest sense, selling is not limited to individuals with the title of salesperson; it is a key activity carried out by various actors in society and the business world.
Interdisciplinarity as the Key to Success in the Digital Era
In the age of digital transformation, it’s clear that success depends not only on technological innovation but also on the ability to implement it effectively and achieve widespread adoption. Managers who understand the power of an interdisciplinary approach and the importance of "selling" ideas will be key players in this transformation. Their role extends beyond traditional business boundaries, influencing broader society by promoting digital literacy and fostering innovation.
Like Maria Theresa, today’s managers have the opportunity and responsibility to shape a future grounded in digital competencies and interdisciplinary understanding. To succeed, they must maintain an ethical approach, build on honesty and transparency, and strive to create long-term value for all stakeholders. Only in this way can we build a society and economy that is competitive, sustainable, and equitable in the digital age.
It’s time to embrace this new paradigm and actively shape a digital future where markets, technology, and talent work harmoniously for the common good.
First published in Slovenian in MQ Revija Združenja Manager in November 2024.
