Disruptive Technology: Its Innovation and Opportunities
Disruptive technology and innovations are now all around us and accelerating rapidly around the world. For example, in Indonesia people can now easily hire a ‘Gojek’ (motorcycle taxi) through a mobile application. This innovation has disrupted the traditional ‘ojek’ motorcycle system which remains localised due to a lack of innovation. The Gojek application has now spread nationwide, and similar applications are used to order food or to purchase other needs online which harms traditional retailers.
In the Industry 4.0 era, innovation is the soul, upending traditional business strategies and increasing the opportunity to disrupt incumbents. For example, in Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, robotics are used in many sectors of industry. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are being used to give people an immersive experience. 3D Printing is also transforming how products are created. The Internet of Things (IoT) can connect components digitally and become an essential part of modern life. Data flow is also crucial, being analyzed through vast data analytic and data mining concepts. By combining these technological innovations, a product will no longer be constrained physically but can travel across borders via a digital format and provide opportunities for local markets.
These innovations are also studied in three bachelors and two master programs in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT), at Swiss German University (SGU). Related technical aspects are studied in Mechanical Engineering – the Mechatronic and Information Technology study programs at both Bachelor and Master level, while the Industrial Engineering study program looks for the opportunity to use the technology optimally in the industry.
In addition to studying technology, FEIT SGU also provides a curriculum to improve the soft skills of students by providing the opportunity for internship, event organisation, and becoming involved in real industry projects. FEIT SGU believes that hard skills and soft skills need to be balanced in order to adapt to the latest trends and technological developments. FEIT SGU not only prepares students to master the latest technology but also enables our students to be able adapt to the new technology of the next 5, 10, 20 or even 50 years by focusing on a lifelong learning process.
by: Dr. Maulahikmah Galinium, S.Kom., M.Sc
Dean of Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology
