Description
Part 1: I have to do an initial post of not less than 250 words.
Description:
Expand on the 5th wave of technology innovation by giving some clear examples of information technology that we could say is helping shape this definition. And, do you agree with the timeframe for this 5th wave as being 1990-2020. Compare and contrast.
The work book is: Rodrigue, J., & Comtois, C. (2013). The geography of transport systems (3rd ed.). London: Routledge. Page 231.
Part 2: Please respond to at least 2 other students no less than 100 words.
Student number 1 post:
Rodrigues writings on the different long wave cycles of innovation are an interesting take from the Economist, his derived source. The current wave cycle that we are currently in is, to this writer, very accurately portrayed. We are going to see innovations in mobile internet and technology that will leave businesses, the law, organizations, and humans trying to keep up like never before. We are already seeing it now, and the climax of this age does seem to be coming in the next few years reinforcing the 1990-2020 time frame.
We are seeing technology challenging the all aspects of life. Even the legal system is trying to keep up. 3-D printers, UAV’s (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and Uber have all contributed to a dramatic shifting of capabilities and the future. Currently the Federal Aviation Administration passed into law a registration mandate for all UAVs over 1/2lb in size. This was a direct reaction to the multiple cases in which UAV’s were responsible for accidents and close calls from collisions with aircraft, violation of airspace over key government buildings like the white house, and military installations. As of the day this post is written the registration process is mandatory. The cost is free for the first 30-days to entice those that have drones to register now. Having been through the process first hand, this writer believes this is an example of how a government organization reacted and utilized a streamlined online system.
Uber, an online driving service, has challenged the archaic Taxi business with a system that adopted the mobile device’s capabilities of today. Christi Sherouse of Coral Gables wrote about Uber in her piece for the Miami Herald: “Every car is equipped with a map app; there’s no need for cash; and no problems with credit card machines not working. If the taxis were as clean, well-equipped and efficient as Uber, there wouldn’t be a gap to fill.” (2015) This could force the change or destroy taxi services.
The main characteristic, in this writers opinion, of 5th wave technology is that is challenges the way business operate and can almost act as a disruptor or force multiplier for businesses and organizations. 3D printing is challenging every aspect of the way businesses work. In a legal aspect even. According to Corragio’s piece on 3-D printing: “3D printing might infringe intellectual property rights at different stages of the process. Focusing on designs, it is possible to differentiate between 3D Computer-aided design (CAD) files and 3D replicas” (2015)
Going into the 2020’s we are likely going to see the impact of 5th Wave technology come to bare on all aspects of our way of life. The key characteristic being that 5th wave is the game changer. It will change the rules and the demand for companies to adapt quickly will be vital. Darwin’s Law will destroy those who fail to adapt with the innovations brought by this technology wave.
Reference:
Rodrigue, J., & Comtois, C. (2013). The geography of transport systems (3rd ed.). London: Routledge.
Sherouse, C. (2015, September 30). Taxis vs. Uber. Retrieved December 21, 2015, from http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/article37157064.html
Coraggio, G. (2015, September 7). Top 3 legal issues of 3D Printing! | Technology’s Legal Edge. Retrieved December 21, 2015, from https://www.technologyslegaledge.com/2015/09/top-3-legal-issues-of-3d-printing/
Student number 2 Post:
The 5th wave of technology innovation is the coming of age of information systems (Rodrigue, Comtois, & Slack, 2013, p. 231). The beginning of this wave coincides with the advent of the World Wide Web, which was created by a software consultant at the European Organization of Nuclear Research (Greenemeier, 2009). The software consultant saw potential in the World Wide Web to fundamentally change communication in academia and programming (Greenemeier, 2009). His creation allowed computers to share a common language and connect people, and work, in ways never before conceived.
This innovation allowed the sharing of data around the globe and facilitated information systems. Soon the internet became a commercial as well as social medium, and was responsible for its own economic crisis, the dotcom bubble. Associated technology, in particular processors, continue to be governed by Moore’s Law, making each new generation smaller, more powerful, and more efficient (Green, 2015).
I would argue that the timeline for the 5th wave of technology innovation is incorrect. Rodrigue, Comtois, and Slack (2013) write each wave is successively shorter, with the 5th wave the shortest at an estimated 30 years (p. 232). I think the wave has already ended and we are moving into the 6th wave.
Looking at where we are now, I believe the 5th wave ended in 2010, shortly after the invention of smart phones. Although I do not believe smart phones are responsible for its conclusion, they are an example of a new wave of innovation, connectivity. Most people in developed countries have smart phones and tablets. These devices provide an unprecedented level of connectivity. Add cloud computing, the internet of things (IoT), and breakthroughs in drone and autonomous technology, and we are poised for another significant wave.
Do you feel these recent innovations still fit in with information systems in the 5th wave or do you agree a new wave is starting?
References
Green, C. (July 16, 2016). The end of Moore’s Law? Why the theory that computer processors will double in power every two years is becoming obsolete. Independent. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/the-end-of-moores-law-why-the-theory-that-computer-processors-will-double-in-power-every-two-years-10394659.html
Greenemeier, L. (March 12, 2009). Remembering the day the world wide web was born. Scientific American. Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/day-the-web-was-born/
Rodrigue, J, Comtois, C., & Slack, B. (2013). The Geography of Transport Systems 3rd ed. New York: Routledge
