Technological humanism facing today's complexities

A humanist approach to technological development

In the midst of the 14th century, humanism emerged as a response to the darkness of the Middle Ages, placing the individual at the centre of all things, through art. In the second decade of the 21st century, it is crucial to refocus our attention on humanity as we face various complexities as a society. If we manage these complexities properly, primarily through the use of technology, we could turn them into meaningful opportunities for progress.

Technological humanism is presented as a response and an option to face the risks arising from growing uncertainty, in a context that could lead to a setback in several aspects, such as equal opportunities, individual and collective freedoms, sustainability, among others. Technology can thus play a crucial role by contributing to a responsible, sustainable evolution focused on the well-being of society as a whole, promoting its human development and improving people's quality of life.

The complexities of the environment include the acceleration of the digital transformation and the sophistication of the technological ecosystem and, closely linked to both factors, the shortage of IT talent; in addition, we are immersed in a climate crisis and a stressed economic context, marked by geopolitical tensions and latent risks of inflation.

Technology at the service of people

Digital transformation is an inevitable process that is motivating companies to accelerate the digitisation of their business models and operations, but, applying the technological humanism approach, we will put people at the centre of this process.

To this reality must be added the reality of a technological ecosystem that continues to evolve rapidly, coinciding with a convergence of technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity and the Cloud, with a focus on the Total Experience. Added to this complexity is the global shortage of IT talent, whose attraction, training and development represents the IT sector's main challenge for the current economic system as a whole, due to the growing dependence on technology in all areas of activity. It is therefore crucial that the transformation process puts people at the centre, fostering their development and lifelong learning, as well as ensuring the inclusion of all groups in the digital society.

Another complexity that requires an urgent response is the climate emergency, which, from the approach of technological humanism, can be addressed by promoting more efficient and less polluting infrastructures, as well as the development and use of tools that facilitate the care of the planet and the well-being of its inhabitants. In this sense, by adopting a humanist perspective, technology can help to advance towards greater equality of opportunities and respect for human rights, thus contributing to the construction of a fairer, more equitable and inclusive society.

With technology playing an increasingly important role in people's lives, we in the IT sector must safeguard its development so that its impact is positive and beneficial for all citizens. Adopting a humanist perspective consists of recovering those values that make us human and promoting sustainable and ethical practices through technology. Organisations can contribute to making technology a tool at the service of people and not the other way around. As a society, we have a responsibility to ensure that technology is used to promote well-being and build a better and fairer world for future generations.

Technology should therefore not be an end in itself, but a means to improve the quality of life and have a positive impact on our environment. Thus, technological humanism emerges as a response to the complexities of today's world and also as an opportunity to build a more hopeful and prosperous future for the planet and, in particular, for its inhabitants.