While the digital transformation of industries will be profound

"While the digital transformation of industries will be profound, we must keep in mind that it will have wider economic and social impact, too, as with previous revolutions driven by steam and coal, electricity and computers." – Pierre Nanterme

In the annals of human history, there have always been moments when the world was irrevocably transformed by a new force—be it the harnessing of steam, the rise of electricity, or the birth of the digital age. Each of these revolutions—like the ones Pierre Nanterme speaks of—has not only changed the ways we work but also reshaped the very structure of society. The digital transformation we are witnessing today is but the latest chapter in a long series of advances that have revolutionized the economy, social dynamics, and even the human spirit. Yet, Nanterme’s words remind us that with every leap forward, there is a ripple of impact that goes far beyond mere technology—it touches every aspect of our existence, from the way we relate to each other, to the very fabric of our communities and the future of our societies.

Consider, for a moment, the great Industrial Revolution, which began with the arrival of steam engines. This era marked the beginning of an age where machines, powered by coal and steam, would replace manual labor, creating vast factories and new systems of production. The economic landscape shifted dramatically as urbanization surged, and the old ways of life gave way to the new. But alongside the rapid economic growth, there was displacement—workers moved from the countryside to crowded cities, traditional social structures were strained, and inequality began to grow. The ancient Greeks, who held the concept of balance in high regard, would recognize that while progress has the power to elevate society, it must be tempered with awareness of its effects on the individual and community. Just as steam powered the rise of industries, it also unleashed unforeseen consequences—one must ask, with each great revolution, what is gained, and what is lost?

The rise of electricity brought about another transformative period, not just in how industries operated, but in the very way society functioned. The world was illuminated, and the pace of life quickened. This revolution, however, did not come without its disruptions. Cities grew even larger, and the world became increasingly interconnected. Yet, with the rise of the electric age, there also arose new challenges—pollution, the depletion of resources, and a deepening divide between those who could access electric power and those who could not. The great Roman Empire, in its zenith, spread roads, communication, and unity, but as it expanded, it too suffered from the challenges of overreach and imbalance. The same could be said of our current moment: as we embrace the digital transformation, we must remain vigilant to the social and economic inequalities it may exacerbate, just as we did during the rise of steam and electricity.

Let us look to history, to Rome once more, where the expansion of the empire was driven not just by military might, but by technological advances in infrastructure—roads, aqueducts, and communication systems. Yet, as Rome reached the pinnacle of its power, it faced internal strife. The riches that flowed from its vast territories were not shared equally, and social unrest began to brew. Digital transformation, like Roman conquest, brings great potential for growth, but it also requires a delicate balance between innovation and inclusion. Just as Rome’s expansion was tempered by the realities of governing such a vast empire, the rise of digital technology must be managed to ensure that its benefits reach every corner of society, not just the privileged few.

In the world we now inhabit, we see how computers and the internet have redefined not only the workplace but the very nature of human interaction. The global economy is increasingly driven by data, and industries are transforming in ways that were once unimaginable. Yet, with this transformation comes displacement. Jobs are lost to automation, and traditional industries are disrupted. The world’s workers are faced with the challenges of adapting to new skills and technologies. Just as the Industrial Revolution brought about vast change, the digital revolution brings its own set of complexities—where opportunity for some may lead to uncertainty for others. The ancients would tell us that progress must always be accompanied by awareness and compassion, so that as we move forward, we do not leave the most vulnerable behind.

The lesson that Nanterme’s words impart is one of awareness and adaptability. As we continue to embrace the digital age, we must remember that each technological advancement carries with it both promise and peril. The ancients understood that great power must be handled with wisdom and balance. The industrial revolutions of the past were not just marked by their technological feats but by their social impact—and so too will the digital transformation be. As we forge ahead, we must ensure that this new era is one not of division but of connection, not of domination but of shared prosperity. Just as the great builders of the past understood the importance of infrastructure, so too must we build a digital infrastructure that serves all of humanity.

In our own lives, we must consider the implications of this technological revolution and ensure that we remain mindful of its effects on society. As we embrace progress, let us not lose sight of the values that sustain us: equality, community, and human connection. Just as the ancients balanced their pursuit of glory and power with wisdom and foresight, so too must we balance the drive for technological advancement with a commitment to the greater good of all. The future is not simply about what we can create, but about how we choose to use technology to build a more just and connected world for all.