ABCtech #70 01OCT16 The Future of Professions rev

ABCtech #70 01OCT16 The Future of Professions

Emerging technologies as change agents are trans-forming our lives and work, our economy and society. Our insatiable appetite “to know” is attracting the attention of machines more powerful in learning and remembering than any person. Toward what end? Are we witnessing the beginning – or the end, of the knowledge economy? – Editor

1. Increasing competition is expected to result in less regulation both within and between professions;

2. Technology is changing the expectations of clients and professional-client relationships;

3. Clients are expected to be more informed and more inter-active in the future; a transition from a passive client to a more market-savvy consumer;

4. Technology is elevating client’s expectations of the practitioner, increasing expectations for faster and more efficient service;

5. Continuous learning and training are essential for sustaining the trust and future relevance of the professions;

6. No clear consensus on whether the influence of the clientele/ consumers should be increased in regulated professions.

Please contact us HERE or call (780)990-5874 or Toll Free 1(866)241-7535  should you be interested in:

1. Receiving a copy of the Future of Professions Report and/or

2. Hosting a seminar on The Future of Professions.

The Report is being shared with those preparing presentations for the Convention featuring BIG IDEAS of Alberta industries and professions for fixing Albertas economy:

This document presents a survey report on the future of professions in Alberta, focusing on the impact of technology, client expectations, and competition. ​

Inspiration and Context The report draws inspiration from Richard and David Susskind’s book, “The Future of Professions,” which discusses the impending transformation of various professions due to technological advancements. ​ The authors argue that expertise will increasingly be made available through technology, diminishing the traditional roles of professions such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers.

Survey Overview Conducted by the Alberta Council of Technologies and the Peter Lougheed Leadership College, the survey aimed to assess the effects of technology and changing client expectations on professions in Alberta. ​ Launched in May/June 2016, it gathered insights from professionals across various fields, including engineering, health, finance, and education.

Key Findings

• Regulation and Competition: Respondents anticipate that increasing competition will lead to less regulation within and between professions. A significant majority (42% within professions and 37% between professions) expect a reduction in regulatory constraints.
• Client Expectations: There is a notable shift in client behavior, with respondents indicating that clients are becoming more informed and interactive. ​ This trend is expected to continue, with 74% of respondents believing clients will be more engaged in the future.
• Continuous Learning: The necessity for continuous learning is emphasized, as professionals must adapt to technological changes and evolving client expectations. Many respondents acknowledged that technology is reshaping the knowledge landscape, making clients more knowledgeable and demanding. ​
• Technology’s Role: A substantial 71% of respondents believe technology is altering client expectations, with clients now seeking faster, more efficient services. ​ The democratization of information has shifted the dynamic, with clients often arriving with pre-formed opinions or self-diagnoses.

Regulatory Influence There is no consensus on whether client influence should increase in professional regulation. ​ While some respondents advocate for greater client feedback to enhance service quality, others caution that client demands may exceed available resources and compromise professional independence.

Conclusion The study highlights the challenges and opportunities facing Alberta’s professions due to technological advancements and changing client dynamics. ​ Professionals must engage in continuous learning and adapt to maintain relevance, while regulators need to understand market forces and their implications for professional practices.