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C. TODAY
How Innovation isAccelerating to Meet
CoronavirusChallenges
By U.S. Chamber of Commerce
During the coronavirus pandemic, technological Moreover, as supply chains suffer disruption from
innovation has progressed on an expedited the virus, they will shift to become more regional,
timeline to meet new and emerging challenges, focusing on local suppliers and markets. To meet
according to industry leaders at a recent virtual this shift, businesses will have to embrace emerging
event hosted by the Chamber Technology technologies.
Engagement Center (C_TEC). Here are five ways that
technological innovation is accelerating to meet the 2. Connectivity will be the norm and not the
crisis: exception
As the workforce shifts to become more digital,
1. The workforce is becoming more digital, connectivity will be foremost in the equation.
flexible, skills-based, and regional This has been proven across all facets of daily
As workers practice social distancing, we’re seeing life. “That broadband connection is quite literally
fundamental changes in how we work, at an what is driving our daily interactions through our
unprecedented rate. The challenge for employees lives,” said Ajit Pai, Chairman of the U.S. Federal
and the workforce of the future will be in adapting Communications Commission (FCC).
to a “new normal.” For many Americans, the day-to-
day has transitioned from a physical workplace to a During the crisis, the FCC has seen a sharp increase
virtual one. in network usage – an estimated 20-35% on the
fixed side and between 10-25% on wireless. To
The future of the workforce will be a combination of make sure that Americans can stay connected
humans, machines, and the gig economy, according through increased demands, the FCC put forth the
to Ravi Kumar, president of Infosys. The pandemic Keep Americans Connected Pledge, which asked
has accelerated the transition to automation, and broadband and telecom providers to 1) not cut off
work will be split into smaller, virtual packets that service, 2) not enact late fees, and 3) open WiFi
generate the gig economy. hotspots to any consumer.
To prepare workers for the “new normal,” the focus And businesses have answered the call. Moreover,
will need to move from degrees to skills, shifting many companies have gone above and beyond –
from traditional four-year undergraduate educations increasing speeds at no additional cost, waiving data
to a lifelong form of learning that provides a caps altogether, offering special prices to low-income
platform of reskilling. consumers, and working with schools and hospitals
to prioritize their connectivity.
15 AMCHAM SOUTH CHINA
How Innovation isAccelerating to Meet
CoronavirusChallenges
By U.S. Chamber of Commerce
During the coronavirus pandemic, technological Moreover, as supply chains suffer disruption from
innovation has progressed on an expedited the virus, they will shift to become more regional,
timeline to meet new and emerging challenges, focusing on local suppliers and markets. To meet
according to industry leaders at a recent virtual this shift, businesses will have to embrace emerging
event hosted by the Chamber Technology technologies.
Engagement Center (C_TEC). Here are five ways that
technological innovation is accelerating to meet the 2. Connectivity will be the norm and not the
crisis: exception
As the workforce shifts to become more digital,
1. The workforce is becoming more digital, connectivity will be foremost in the equation.
flexible, skills-based, and regional This has been proven across all facets of daily
As workers practice social distancing, we’re seeing life. “That broadband connection is quite literally
fundamental changes in how we work, at an what is driving our daily interactions through our
unprecedented rate. The challenge for employees lives,” said Ajit Pai, Chairman of the U.S. Federal
and the workforce of the future will be in adapting Communications Commission (FCC).
to a “new normal.” For many Americans, the day-to-
day has transitioned from a physical workplace to a During the crisis, the FCC has seen a sharp increase
virtual one. in network usage – an estimated 20-35% on the
fixed side and between 10-25% on wireless. To
The future of the workforce will be a combination of make sure that Americans can stay connected
humans, machines, and the gig economy, according through increased demands, the FCC put forth the
to Ravi Kumar, president of Infosys. The pandemic Keep Americans Connected Pledge, which asked
has accelerated the transition to automation, and broadband and telecom providers to 1) not cut off
work will be split into smaller, virtual packets that service, 2) not enact late fees, and 3) open WiFi
generate the gig economy. hotspots to any consumer.
To prepare workers for the “new normal,” the focus And businesses have answered the call. Moreover,
will need to move from degrees to skills, shifting many companies have gone above and beyond –
from traditional four-year undergraduate educations increasing speeds at no additional cost, waiving data
to a lifelong form of learning that provides a caps altogether, offering special prices to low-income
platform of reskilling. consumers, and working with schools and hospitals
to prioritize their connectivity.
15 AMCHAM SOUTH CHINA
