Ericsson’s Change-Makers Forum discusses digital transformation

The Change-Makers Forum, hosted by Ericsson, has wrapped up in Dubai, setting the importance on digital transformation and the need to think of alternative business models to seize the opportunities brought by the Networked Society.

Nowadays, the effects of digital technology are experienced far beyond the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, transforming sectors and industries previously not connected with digital technologies, and creating a fundamental and positive impact on every aspect of life in the Networked Society.

The exclusive event brought together prominent speakers from around the region and the world to discuss subjects related to the transformation of information and communications technologies and how the Networked Society can contribute in setting new growth trends. Speaking about harnessing the power of social media, Jimmy Wales, Founder of Wikipedia, delivered a keynote speech where he said: “As the internet continues to grow and change at exponential rates, open-source, open-content technology will affect the fundamental ways that businesses interact with customers, distributors, suppliers, and the public in the future.”

Ari Kesisoglu, Regional Director, Africa, Middle East & Turkey at Facebook, delivered a keynote address at the forum where one of the recently announced 10 hot consumer trends by Ericsson’s ConsumerLab highlighted that social networks may become the preferred way to contact emergency services.

“Social networks have become an imperative part of people’s lives across the world. Today, Facebook has transformed into a technology company used by over 1 billion people every day. Whatsapp and Messenger are used by 900 million and 700 million people respectively each month. The ability of social networking and messaging services to reach people at scale in times of emergency with streamlined communication is immense. Besides, emergencies, these services will also be used by organizations to engage one-on-one with audiences and deliver real-time CRM support. As we enter a mobile first world, social networks will unlock possibilities which have a positive impact on society.”

Christopher Mikkelsen, Co-founder Refugees United and another discussion leader, described his experience in seeing mobile technology change people’s lives in many countries around the world connecting thousands of families of refugees.

“Before Refugees United, the options for people who were searching for loved ones were very limited, often leaving them disengaged, uninformed and feeling powerless. This is a clear example of how technology can change people’s lives,” he explained.

Change-Makers who were part of the event shared common themes related to the transformation of business models across industries. One of the industries discussed was transportation whereby Magnus Olsson, Co-founder and Chief Navigator at Careem, presented to the audience how business models are radically transforming enabling new growth opportunities.

“Today I am proud to say that Careem has grown to become one of the leading car booking services in the Middle East. This new business model is changing our society’s economic landscape allowing entrepreneurs to explore brand new business opportunities that we are witnessing for the first time,” he added.

Rafiah Ibrahim, President of Ericsson, Region Middle East and Africa, said: “ICT is transforming the way people work and communicate. People’s lifestyles are changing; we are using more data to access products and services.  And we want the best experience when doing that.  And as devices are online and interacting, and as mobile broadband unite with cloud services, every industry that we represent today will find itself in a new reality.  At the Change-Makers Forum, we discussed the need to anticipate what the consumer wants, and create consumer needs.  In short, when disruption accelerates, we need to anticipate change and act to remain relevant.”

Ericsson’s Change-Makers Forum, was held in Dubai UAE on January 10th, 2016 at the Sofitel, the Palm hotel under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group Dubai Aviation City. The exclusive event was attended by CEOs, CXOs, leading entrepreneurs, and thought leaders.