Albert Einstein wasn’t a conventional scientist by any stretch of imagination, not just due to his brilliant inventions, but also because he was an accomplished thinker and visionary. In fact, he was himself a strong critic of the harmful effects of technology. He pointed out that it was appalling how our technology had exceeded our humanity. Imagine a statement like that in the early 20th century, and I need not speculate on how he would have modified it if he was alive today!

When I look at the sheer pace of technological evolution in today’s world, I am instantly reminded of noted Irish writer and poet Oscar Wilde, who once said, “There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.” Think of how the latest, most coveted and desirable gadgets become obsolete, low on specs and ‘yesterday’ almost immediately after you buy them, and you know what I mean. If being with the times means having the best and most technologically advanced gadget in town, then life has precious few of such short lived blissful moments. If it makes you feel any better, organisations are equally vulnerable to this phenomenon. In a little over three decades of existence, perceptions of Microsoft changed from being a technology behemoth and a threat to fair competition to a company that is not innovative enough anymore, and could face issues to sustainability. Bill Gates would consider himself fortunate though. Just a little over a decade has passed since Google set the technology world ablaze, and analysts have already started speculating on who the next ‘Google’ will be!

Not entirely by coincidence, this special quarterly supplement named Technology Next comes up in tandem with the 150th issue of our flagship publication Business & Economy (B&E). While I was discussing with industry thought leaders about this supplement, there were several interesting suggestions. Clutter is always a concern for any new venture, but interestingly, that was not the moot point discussed. One nearly unanimous view was that while technology publications of the day spoke volumes about newer technologies, upgrades and innovations, they were unable to bring out their true relevance to individuals, and for that matter, even to business.

The crux is that technology must be for the sustenance and evolution of mankind, and not the other way round. Technology was always meant to simplify, enhance and facilitate rather than to complicate, confuse and confound. Through Technology Next, we will, in true B&E spirit, go beyond news and updates to enlighten readers with intellectual and thought leading coverage of the technology landscape. Also, we will bring to the spotlight how technology is helping and can help in areas where it is truly needed, like bridging the economic (and digital) divide, conserving energy, making the world more efficient, enhancing our security, improving our connectivity, et al. Through constant interactions with businesses, academia, analysts and thought leaders in the technology world, we will enlighten you about what the pace and direction of technological transformation means for you at work, home as well as in the world that you live in.

It is undeniable that taking out this first issue of Technology Next needed exhaustive inputs, passionate brainstorming and unrelenting support from editorial, design, photo as well as production. Every contribution, however small, was invaluable and deserving of acclaim. The successful launch of this issue really belongs to them. Thanks to this dedicated, intellectual and purposeful team that consistently resolves to and beats world class benchmarks, you can be assured that Technology Next will be your most preferred window to the technology world. Here’s wishing you a delighting and insightful reading experience!