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Tech Impact: 2057 posted on June 8, 2007

Gordon E. Moore, co-founder of Intel, was the first to point out that “the number of transistors on a chip doubles about every two years.” Clearly, technology is progressing at a rapid rate, and because of this, the world is sure to be drastically different in the future. How will technology change the way we do business 50 years from now?

Eric Basu President and CEO
Sentek Consulting | San Diego

“The war of tomorrow will undoubtedly be one fought almost equally on two fronts—one on the physical battlefield and one on the information superhighway.”

As a defense contractor, I can’t predict where military hostilities will occur in 50 years. But the war of tomorrow will undoubtedly be one fought almost equally on two fronts—one on the physical battlefield and one on the information superhighway. A traditional view of war addresses political, economic and military aspects of conflict. However, the increasing ability for insurgents to instantly spread information and misinformation from virtually any remote area in the world will grow exponentially in the future.

Fifty years from now, terrorist organizations will still exist and will use open information systems more freely and with greater frequency to coordinate their attacks and spread their particular message. Since shutting down all information flow is not a feasible option, moderate government entities must own the information space and dominate it—in addition to the political, economic and military arenas—to succeed in future warfare.

As emerging democratic countries come “on the grid,” communications will be shared, and religious fanatics will use these systems to reach a wider audience. Tolerant societies will have the responsibility to help governments best use this technology to combat terrorist activity and crime while spreading words of moderation and tolerance.

Eric Basu founded Sentek Consulting, which offers federal, state and local government support services. In addition, he has worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG. He also was a Navy SEAL officer, so make sure you never get on his bad side.

Reid Carr President
Red Door Interactive | Downtown San Diego

“Inspired and engaged creative thinkers are always on—they may simply be limited by their tools.”

I have always believed that principles rarely change from generation to generation. What changes are the tools. Even today the “big idea” rarely comes when staring at the computer screen. Inspired and engaged creative thinkers are always on—they may simply be limited by their tools.

Fifty years from now, the office will not be where employees are the most productive. Sure, telecommuting may still occur, but staff members will have to come to work to gain access to resources needed to do their job or to be perceived as effective by their managers.

This control barrier will change in the future as software, web conferencing, instant messaging, wireless, geo-location and voice-over internet protocol systems become more versatile, more reliable, more secure and, consequently, more the norm. These systems will ease management’s concern over whether employees—and even outside contractors—are being productive. They’ll know what team members are doing and how they’re contributing.

Companies will definitely need less office space, but I’m not projecting that offices will go away. Rather, offices will serve more as a way for co-workers to socialize and share ideas than for actually getting work, in the traditional sense, done.

Reid Carr founded the now 35-person strong Red Door Interactive in 2002. He first came to San Diego to form iGroup, the interactive arm for the McQuerterGroup, a San Diego–based PR agency, and later served as its director of interactive and advertising.

Lorena Gaxiola Co-founder
Kuatro Design | Downtown San Diego

“Technology is going to change the world in every aspect.”

As far as design is concerned, I really hope people won’t dress like the Matrix. Because the styles we saw in Star Wars 20 years ago have turned into what we’re wearing today. In the future, we’re going to become more conscious of the planet and wear more natural materials. I think interior design will follow this same trend, and we’ll also continue to use more environmentally friendly products.

Technology is going to change the world in every aspect. In interior design, especially in these last 10 years, we are realizing how the profession is brightening as an art form and as a necessity. People are working and spending more time out of their homes. In 50 years, people will continue to put more money into their homes. Also, the increase in technology will cause interior design to become more affordable for the consumer. In the near future, new branches of interior design will evolve. The industry will become more specific. People will no longer think that one generic interior designer can do it all.

Having grown up in a family deeply involved in architecture and homebuilding, Lorena Gaxiola brings young and fresh ideas to interior design. Gaxiola co-founded Kuatro Design in 2001 and became the sole proprietor in April 2003. Since its foundation, the company has become a leading force in the industry of model home interior design, and Gaxiola has beome one of San Diego’s youngest and most respected Hispanic business owners.