Dell Technologies’ UK Forum at Greenwich-based venue, Magazine, paid testament to the solutions and opportunities that come about from the convergence of technological and human innovation.
From addressing environmental challenges; to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility concerns; to cyber security threats, the Forum brought together more than 1,000 customers and partners and about 200 of Dell Technologies’ team members, in the UK, to discover the endless possibilities of innovation.
If you were unable to attend Forum or just want to watch again, you can register or sign in to view all on demand sessions here.
Building your breakthrough
Dell Technologies’ Breakthrough research provided the framing for the day’s discussions. To build a better future that works for all, we need to restore the workforce, and recognize that business success, and their people’s wellbeing, are inextricably linked.
For instance, if the data era demands a culture of data sharing, new behaviors and increasing data literacy, it stands to reason that progress happens when high-functioning people intersect with high-functioning technology.
To that end, we will state that the route to releasing the innovator in all of us starts with empathetic leadership and technology that frees people from toil.
It was this alliance between innovative minds and innovative technology, that the Forum’s plenary agenda explored.
Hearing from experts at the forefront of change
The generations expert Dr Eliza Filby looked at shifting dynamics in the workplace, most notably the first ever ‘four generation workforce’ and what this means for how businesses build their culture and maximise their use of technology. She was joined by McLaren’s data analyst, Jess Tomkins, whose role looks at how data can drive better decision-making at the trackside.
In conversation with event moderator Michael Hayman MBE, Eliza and Jess discussed key questions relating to human nature and its convergence with technological innovation, specifically the role of data decision-making, asking: to what extent is the value of human gut instinct still valuable in a world of increasingly accurate data insights?
The theme running through the day’s conversations was that technology, used correctly, is an enhancer of human lives, while it is human innovation and creativity that finds opportunities to use that technology for good.
This was demonstrated further by Stuart Moss, Head of IT Innovation at Rolls-Royce and Nick Goldup, Director of Care Improvement at the Motor Neurone Disease Association, who shared the story of how the two organisations, in partnership with Dell Technologies and Intel, created a voice banking platform called I Will Always Be Me, utilising technology to bring positive change for people with motor neurone disease.
Motor Neurone Disease is a neurogenerative condition that deteriorates nerve cells that control muscles, and ultimately take away a person’s ability to speak. Voice banking is an often complex and time-consuming process to record a person’s voice to later develop a digital replica, to help them communicate as they start to have difficulty speaking.
I Will Always Be Me is an interactive website and eBook created for people living with Motor Neurone Disease and their loved ones. The book explains the condition in a thoughtful, informative way through an immersive digital experience.
The story also contains key phrases that allow voice banking to be completed in around 20 minutes, and creates a digital version of the user’s own voice, rather than an automated one.
It transforms an often-difficult conversation and emotionally tolling process, into a meaningful experience that can be shared with loved ones for a lasting impact. And one that offers advancement on previous voice banking processes.
Finally, Michael spoke with the documentarian Louis Theroux on what he has learned about the human spirit from more than 20 years of documentaries around the world. He similarly shared thoughts on the incredible progress that technology has driven in society, specifically the role of social media in creating opportunities for a different way of interacting and telling stories.
Inspire, include, impact, innovate
At Dell Technologies, we want to use our strengths to find opportunities and turn complex problems into inspiring solutions. That means resilience in the face of challenge and embracing change, rather than fearing it. Together, with partners like Forum’s global sponsors Microsoft and Intel, we have an opportunity to supercharge progress and deliver digital transformation at scale.
It is about seeing the opportunities to drive a better future, even when the present is uncertain: transforming today’s climate crisis into tomorrow’s sustainable world; developing today’s emerging technologies into tomorrow’s critical infrastructure; and bridging today’s digital divide, to become a more connected society.
Dell Technologies Forum demonstrated our commitment to all of our customers and partners in the UK. And what drives it, is our belief that developing each of these solutions can unlock the next generation’s potential, with the skills, training and tools to power the future of work; build partnerships that tackle complex challenges and deliver positive progress; and harness technology to get the UK prepared for the future.
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