by Dr. Evangelos Markopoulos*
For more than 35 years I have researched advanced technologies, published many papers in high-impact journals and conferences, and implemented many research projects in my attempt to contribute to the evolution of science and humanity.
Starting with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Expert Systems back in 1988 at IBM and later at Bell Labs, up to my recent work in Great Britain and Finland over the last 10 years on Cognitive Science, Virtual Reality (VR), Digital Twins and the Metaverse, I keep on seeing the tremendous industry gap between what is being discovered and what is being applied.
The adaptation of AI, for example, started with a delay of nearly 20 years. Despite the noise and the trend created by the technology, not even 10% of its capabilities have been fully adopted by the industry, while there is still confusion in the non-scientific community on what AI, what is not, and how it is defined. The same applies to VR which is a more recent technology with a much lower adaptation rate as of now. Not to mention Digital Twins or Metaverse which are the new trends managers like to talk about but don’t consider their slightest adaptation.
Thinking more rationally there is an explanation for this phenomenon perfectly stated by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: ‘Whatever you cannot understand, you cannot possess. ‘
Managers are fascinated and impressed by the technological progress, and its achievements, but nothing more than that. For many it’s ‘Greek to them’, needs time to study and understand the basics at least, needs investments to explore any level of adaptation, and does not secure direct or immediate return on any investment.
On the other hand, staying far from technology and its advancements harms manager’s corporate reputation and image, so many decide to use advanced technological terms to gain attention, add them to their strategic plans, make press releases, feed the corporate media or even the social media without taking any further action as at the end of the day “It is not a matter of what is true that counts, but a matter of what is perceived to be true” as the late Henry Kissinger used to say.
Science and scientists have enough recognition and appreciation but closer collaboration with the industry is needed to bridge this gap for the benefit of science, the economy, and humanity. As this gap exists, and keeps on growing, research will soon reach such a futuristic level that will be impossible to be applied by future generations.
More visionary managers are needed to end this distance growth and bring science to more applied and practical levels. The industry requirements can, and must, lead research, but when such requirements are absent both science and industry lose.
I remain optimistic that the new year will bring the world braver business and industry leaders who can become real industry disruptors and change-makers. I really hope many of these leaders come up from the shipping and maritime industry where technologies can impact global trade, economy, safety, sustainability and profitability for the benefit of all.
*Dr. Evangelos Markopoulos is a UCL academic and University of Turku researcher specialising in futuristic interactive technologies.
