The first digital CES - the promise of technology

The experience of 2020 has underscored how critical it is for people and businesses of all sizes to be part of the digital future. As part of this year’s CES, I had the privilege of talking with Dan Roth and Julie Sweet about how tech will continue to transform our world, and our “innovation agendas” for leading the way in that transformation. Where Julie, Dan and I left our conversation is where we can all pick it up today: what will it really take to fulfill the promise of technology? 

To me, an innovation agenda that fulfills the promise of technology starts with helping mom-and-pop corner stores open their doors online to stay afloat or offering people a little daily peace of mind provided by a contactless card. It’s not about flash and dazzle – it’s about putting the tools we already have to work helping out in ways big and small, because that’s what people need right now. And that can happen across industries: putting tech to work generating new vaccines, transform farming, improving financial security and enabling access to education.

But, we also have to think about the principles that underpin how we activate this new thinking. That includes transparent and responsible use of consumer data, ethical AI applications, and enhancing privacy and security. And, in our business, it’s about driving financial inclusion, not reinforcing inequality.

The critical thread that connects all these concepts is trust. That starts with the ethics and values – the decency – that we must always bring to the table with innovation. Without trust, it’s all just talk. So, the next step in the innovation agenda is bringing together all kinds of players – like governments, nonprofits and corporations – to create a trusted network of partners all working toward the same goal with shared principles. That will be key in achieving success that everyone - businesses and people alike - can share.

When it comes to an innovation agenda that drives new technologies, we have to look beyond the hype. We are at a reset moment. We cannot – and do not want to – go back to the way things were. We have an opportunity to rebuild a society where everyone can reach their potential.

And that starts by delivering purposeful innovation that reflects new perspectives, new partnerships and continued trust.