In recent years, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and no code technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate and create value. These disruptive technologies have not only created new opportunities for early adopters, but also presented challenges for those who are less digitally agile. In this article, we will discuss the paradigm shift in value creation, the advantages and challenges faced by early and late adopters, and the importance of soft skills in a digitally-driven world. We will also provide five key lessons and examples for non-digital natives to become more digitally agile in order to navigate this disruptive wave.

What is digital divide

First, let’s define what we mean by the “digital divide.” The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to and are proficient in using digital technologies, and those who do not. This divide can be seen in both developed and developing countries, and is often a result of economic, social, and cultural factors. The divide can manifest itself in various ways, including access to internet, digital literacy, and the ability to use digital tools to create value.  In this article, we will focus on people who have access but not the ability (or interest) to use digital tools.

As AI and no code technology become more prevalent in the business world, the digital divide will become increasingly important. These technologies present new opportunities for early adopters, who are able to leverage them to create value in new and innovative ways. For example, AI can be used to automate certain tasks, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively. No code technology allows non-technical individuals to build and deploy complex systems without the need for coding skills. This opens up the possibility for more people to participate in the creation of value, regardless of their technical abilities.

However, these technologies also create a paradigm shift in value creation. In the past, value was often created through tangible assets such as factories, equipment, and raw materials. With the advent of AI and no code technology, the sources of value are shifting towards intangible assets such as data, intellectual property, and knowledge. This shift presents new challenges for businesses, as they must adapt to a new way of creating value.

One way businesses can find new sources of value is by using AI and no code technology to collect and analyze data. Data has become a valuable asset in the digital age, and businesses that are able to harness it effectively can use it to make informed decisions, improve their products and services, and better understand their customers. For example, a retailer can use AI to analyze customer data to create personalized recommendations and improve the shopping experience. A healthcare company can use no code technology to build a platform that connects patients with providers, improving access to healthcare services.

As the sources of value shift towards intangible assets, soft skills become increasingly important. With AI and no code technology automating certain tasks and knowledge-based work, the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively will be crucial for businesses to thrive. Here are five examples of how these technologies can remove menial tasks, and how soft skills will become increasingly important in these roles:

Customer service:
‍With AI and no code technology automating many of the routine tasks that customer service representatives used to handle, such as answering frequently asked questions or processing orders, soft skills like empathy, problem-solving, and communication become increasingly important. Customer service reps who are able to understand the needs and concerns of their customers, and use their soft skills to find creative solutions, are likely to be more valuable than those who simply follow a script.

Sales:
AI and no code technology can automate certain tasks in the sales process, such as data entry and lead generation. However, the ability to build relationships, persuade and negotiate, and understand the needs of customers will continue to be crucial for sales professionals. Soft skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving will be key for sales reps to stand out and thrive in a digitally-driven world.

Marketing:
‍As AI and no code technology automate certain tasks in marketing, such as social media management and email campaigns, soft skills like creativity, strategic thinking, and collaboration become increasingly important. Marketers who are able to think creatively and work effectively with their team to develop and execute innovative campaigns are likely to be more successful than those who simply rely on technology to do the work for them.

Product development:
AI and no code technology can automate certain tasks in the product development process, such as prototyping and testing. However, the ability to think creatively, solve problems, and collaborate with others will continue to be crucial for product development professionals. Soft skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving will be key for product developers to create innovative and successful products.

Management:
‍As AI and no code technology automate certain tasks in management, such as reporting and data analysis, soft skills like leadership, communication, and collaboration become increasingly important. Managers who are able to lead their teams effectively, communicate clearly, and work collaboratively to achieve their goals are likely to be more successful than those who rely solely on technology to do the work for them.

The adoption of AI and no code technology also has implications for early and late adopters. Early adopters are those who are quick to adopt new technologies and are often able to gain a competitive advantage as a result. Late adopters, on the other hand, may struggle to catch up with those who have already adopted the technology and may find it more difficult to compete. For example, early adopters of AI and no code technology may have already established a strong foothold in the market, while late adopters may be struggling to catch up and integrate these technologies into their business operations.

Early adopters of AI and no code technology may have a number of advantages over late adopters. They are often able to take advantage of new opportunities and create value in innovative ways. They may also have a head start in developing the necessary skills and expertise to use these technologies effectively. However, early adoption also carries its own set of risks and challenges. There is often a learning curve associated with new technologies, and early adopters may face setbacks and failures as they try to integrate them into their operations.

Late adopters, on the other hand, may face a number of challenges in adopting AI and no code technology. They may have difficulty catching up with early adopters and may struggle to integrate these technologies into their operations. They may also have to invest more resources and time in training their employees and adapting their business processes. However, late adopters may also have the advantage of being able to learn from the experiences of early adopters and avoid some of the pitfalls they encountered.

For non-digital natives, the adoption of AI and no code technology may present additional challenges. These individuals may not have grown up with digital technologies and may have difficulty adapting to them. However, with the right approach and mindset, non-digital natives can become more digitally agile and navigate the disruptive wave of these technologies. Here are five key lessons and examples that non-digital natives should consider when becoming more digitally agile:

1) Embrace the learning process:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek out resources to learn about AI and no code technology. There are numerous online courses and tutorials available, as well as communities of experts who are willing to share their knowledge and experience.

2) Start small and build gradually:
It’s okay to start small and take things one step at a time. Rather than trying to completely overhaul your business operations, consider integrating AI and no code technology into a specific area or task. This will allow you to gain experience and build your skills gradually.

3) Collaborate and seek out partnerships:
Collaboration and partnerships can be valuable resources for non-digital natives. Consider partnering with experts or companies that have experience with AI and no code technology, or seek out mentors or advisors who can provide guidance and support.

4) Keep an open mind and be flexible:
‍It’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to adapt as new technologies and opportunities emerge. Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment with different approaches.

5) Focus on developing your soft skills:
As mentioned earlier, soft skills such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration will be increasingly important in a digitally-driven world. Make sure to invest in developing these skills, as they will be crucial for navigating the disruptive wave of AI and no code technology.

To illustrate these key lessons, let’s consider a hypothetical example of a small manufacturing company that is looking to become more digitally agile. The company’s owner, a non-digital native, recognizes the importance of AI and no code technology, but is not sure where to start. He decides to embrace the learning process and enrolls in an online course on AI and no code technology. He also reaches out to a local tech startup that has experience with these technologies and establishes a partnership.

With the help of his new partners and the knowledge he gained from the online course, the owner begins to integrate AI and no code technology into his operations. He starts small, using AI to automate certain tasks and no code technology to build a platform that connects the manufacturing company with its customers. As he becomes more comfortable with these technologies, he expands their use to other areas of the business. He also focuses on developing his soft skills, such as communication and collaboration, as he works with his partners and employees to integrate these technologies.  This process is very similar to how Agile methodologies were adopted into large organizations.  A small team learned about Agile and began using it on a small scale within the team.  As other notice the impact, adoption grows organically and becomes a pull instead of a push.  This is also considered a bottom-up approach.  The difference to the example of the manufacturing company is that it starts with top management and then involves people deeper in the organization which is considered a hybrid-adoption strategy where a top-down and bottom-up approach are married together.   

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Read also: How Can AI Bridge the Digital Divide for Digital Financial Inclusion in Developing Economies? (Digital Frontier Institute) 

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As the manufacturing company becomes more digitally agile, it is able to streamline its operations and improve efficiency. It is also able to use data collected through AI and no code technology to make informed decisions and better understand its customers. The owner’s open-minded and flexible approach allows him to adapt to new technologies and opportunities as they arise.

In conclusion, the digital divide will continue to be an important factor in the business world as AI and no code technology become more prevalent. These technologies present new opportunities for early adopters, but also present challenges for late adopters and non-digital natives. To navigate this disruptive wave, it is important for businesses to adapt to a new paradigm of value creation, focus on developing soft skills, and embrace the learning process. By following these key lessons and examples, non-digital natives can become more digitally agile and thrive in this rapidly-changing landscape.

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Read also: How AI and Business Intelligence Can Supercharge Your Business

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