In an era of relentless innovation, it can sometimes feel like we are navigating the digital version of the Wild West. New technologies, fuelled by AI, are constantly emerging. Not only do these present opportunities for developing new products and services; they are also transforming the way that we work and live. The ‘tech revolution’ is a catalyst for change, but it is also a challenge. Without future-focused leadership, businesses at all levels will struggle to keep pace with emerging technologies.
Why people matter as much as progress
The power of digital tools like AI to save time and solve complex problems is undeniable. It’s something that the UK government has embraced with open arms. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has convened a panel of industry experts and academics to shape a digital strategy for modernising public services. And in recent weeks, Rachel Reeves confirmed that AI will play a key role in reducing civil service running costs by 15% by the end of the decade.
The government is clearly keen to leverage tech to meet efficiency targets, boost the economy and improve the lives of UK citizens. For businesses, opportunities to unlock growth through digital and tech advances are also there for the taking. But, just as our understanding of AI, data and IT has advanced, the way we lead must also evolve. Now more than ever, a values-led approach is needed to ensure the responsible adoption of new technologies.
Some have expressed concern that running full-tilt towards tech advances will remove the human element at the centre of our institutions. This is a legitimate concern, and it also applies to the business community. Those in the C-suite should not lose sight of people in pursuit of progress and productivity. It’s critically important to balance an understanding of digital strategy with the leadership skills needed to share this vision with the humans we work alongside.
Why all businesses need to ‘speak tech’ with confidence
The Thames Valley has emerged as the UK’s equivalent of Silicon Valley. It hosts multinational tech firms, as well as a large ecosystem of SMEs and start-ups, and is a prominent hub for digital innovation. But for businesses not embedded within this sector, the ability to ‘speak the language’ of tech is still a vital skill.
Without the right training, decision-makers may struggle to develop digital strategies and implement digital solutions effectively, leading to missed opportunities. Additionally, ethical concerns – such as data privacy, AI bias, and responsible automation – require leaders to understand the broader impact of technology on people and society.
When it comes to digital transformation, it’s easy for businesses to lose sight of the big picture. In our rush to embrace the shiniest new tech, we can overlook the frameworks and strategies needed to create lasting and sustainable change. A ‘move fast and break things’ approach might fly in a risk-taking tech start-up, but for most established organisations, this will likely lead to a serious lack of trust.
How Henley can help prepare teams for the future
Henley Business School has a legacy of shaping leaders to drive change. After the Second World War, our academics helped to define the management structure of the Civil Service. Eighty years on, we’re still training top talent to lead with confidence.
Level 7 apprenticeships can help to bridge the skills gap, empowering leaders to adapt and innovate without compromising key values or long-term success. With technology evolving at breakneck speed, an understanding of its strategic, ethical and human consequences is not just helpful – it’s essential.
The World Economic Forum has acknowledged the growing demand for leaders who can navigate the digital ecosystem. Its aim to reskill 1 billion people by 2030 reflects the OECD’s finding that a third of all global jobs will be transformed by technology over the next 10 years. The future is coming, whether businesses are ready for it or not.
Become a digital leader with a Level 7 apprenticeship
The government’s announcement last year about the potential removal of the Level 7 levy threatens to create a critical skills gap where it’s needed most. However, there is still time to utilise current funding before the levy is withdrawn.
Henley’s MSc Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist (DTSS) degree apprenticeship is designed to equip leaders with the skills, knowledge, and tools to unlock new opportunities. Learners explore real-world challenges through a digital lens, and apply emerging technologies to solve complex business problems.
Our message to employers? Don’t just adapt to the changes coming your way. Invest in the leaders who can help to shape them.
Find out more about the Level 7 DTSS programme here.
By Professor Keiichi Nakata. Head of Digitalisation, Marketing and Entrepreneurship at Henley Business School
