Five technologies that are (already) shaping the future of work

Porto Tech Hub, a technology association whose mission is to make Porto a global technology center of excellence, brings together the tools and technologies that are transforming the workplace, boosting creativity and innovation in various sectors.

In a scenario where the digital revolution is democratizing access to resources that were previously reserved for large organizations, Porto Tech Hub highlights the five technologies that are shaping the future of work and inspiring new ways of thinking and creating:

1 | Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is revolutionizing the way companies approach complex problems by offering valuable insights and automating repetitive tasks. From recommendation algorithms to virtual assistants such as Dialogflow, AI is freeing up time for teams to focus on more creative and strategic activities.

2 | Virtual Reality (VR): Virtual reality is breaking down the barriers of physical space, allowing teams to collaborate and create in immersive virtual environments. From product design to scenario simulation, these technologies are encouraging innovation like never before. For example, Mindshow is a VR storytelling application that allows users to create and perform animated stories with characters, props and sets.

3 | Online collaboration tools: Online collaboration platforms are connecting teams globally by enabling employees to share ideas and work together in real time, regardless of their geographical location. Through features such as video conferencing, file sharing and virtual whiteboards, these tools are promoting co-creation and collaborative innovation.

4 | Design Thinking and Agile Methodologies: Approaches such as design thinking and agile methodologies are catalyzing a culture of user-centered innovation by encouraging rapid interactions and adaptations to market changes. They encourage teams to deeply understand what consumers really need and to quickly test new ideas to see what works. These approaches allow companies to adapt more easily to market changes and create products and services that really make a difference to users. When combined with technologies such as virtual reality, teams can collaborate more creatively and effectively to find innovative solutions.

5 | Crowdsourcing and Open Innovation Platforms: Crowdsourcing and open innovation platforms are offering companies the opportunity to broaden their knowledge base by tapping into the ideas and insights of a global community. By opening their doors to external collaborators, companies can access a wide range of perspectives and experiences, fueling innovation in unexpected ways. So, with platforms like Ideawake, companies can collect and manage ideas from employees, customers and other external parties. Ideas are evaluated and implemented in order to drive innovation within the organization.