The Future of Work: Where Technology and Sustainability Converge
By Kerry McGuire, Client Innovation Center Leader, IBM Canada —
When IBM launched its sustainability hub at the IBM Western Canada Client Innovation Centre (CIC) in Calgary, in partnership with Invest Alberta, Calgary Economic Development, and Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), this exciting milestone marked a significant step forward in our journey to harness the power of technology to drive sustainable innovation.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it’s clear that two factors are poised to shape the future of work: technology and sustainability. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and creating new opportunities, while the urgent need to address environmental and social challenges is driving innovation in sustainability.
At the heart of this intersection lies the importance of skills development. As AI continues to augment human capabilities, workers must adapt and develop skills that complement this technology. This is particularly crucial in the context of sustainability, where the need for green skills is growing exponentially. IBM’s SkillsBuild program is a shining example, offering free education and training in areas like AI, sustainability, and data analysis.
But what does mean in practice? The potential of generative AI to drive innovation and efficiency is vast. By developing foundation models that can be fine-tuned for specific tasks, companies can improve accuracy, reduce costs, and optimize their operations. In the realm of asset management, for instance, generative AI can help predict and prevent equipment failures, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
Meanwhile, the intersection of technology and sustainability is giving rise to new solutions that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From using geospatial data to estimate carbon emissions to developing AI-powered systems that detect wildfires and floods, innovation is happening at an unprecedented pace. IBM’s partnerships with organizations driving progress in these areas, demonstrating the power of collaboration and technological advancement.
What does the future hold?
As we look to 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that the demand for skills in areas like AI, sustainability, and data analysis will only continue to grow. Companies must prioritize upskilling and reskilling their workforces to remain competitive, while individuals must take ownership of their own learning journeys.
The launch of our sustainability hub at the IBM CIC in Calgary is a testament to our commitment to driving positive change through innovation. By bringing together experts from industry, academia, and government, we can create a vibrant ecosystem that fosters collaboration, creativity, and growth.
Ultimately, the future of work is not just about technology or sustainability – it’s about the intersection of the two. By harnessing the power of innovation to drive positive change, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world for all.
Learn More
- Think on Tour Toronto 2024: Join us at Think Toronto 2024 for an unforgettable experience filled with connections that will guide you on your journey towards AI for business
- Granite foundation models built for business: IBM® Granite™ is a family of artificial intelligence (AI) models built for business, to help drive trust and scalability in AI-driven applications. Open source and proprietary Granite models are available today.
- AI’s green revolution: Navigating Canada’s forests for carbon capture in the age of climate change
About IBM Canada
IBM is one of Canada’s top 10 private R&D investors. IBM has a unique approach to collaboration that provides academic researchers, small and large business, start-ups and developers with business strategies and computing tools they need to innovate. For more information, visit www.ibm.ca.
About IBM
IBM (NYSE: IBM) is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. More than 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.
Source: IBM