Key Factors Driving Resistance to Technological Innovation in Businesses

Key Factors Driving Resistance to Technological Innovation in Businesses

Dear Innovators,

Welcome to the latest edition of the “Innovators” newsletter – your guide to the world of #VR, #AR, #AI, and the Metaverse for business. This newsletter summarizes the key points from my live programs, where I collaborate with visionaries from leading corporations to share proven methods for executing innovative projects.

In this issue, I invite you to explore the highlights of the latest episode of the Innovators Podcast. My guest was Dr. Ada Florentyna Pawlak, a technology anthropologist, and together we tackled a topic as old as innovation itself: the fear of the new. What seems innovative and groundbreaking to us today will inevitably become everyday reality for the next generation. So why do we remain so resistant to new technologies? Is it simply human nature, or is there something deeper at play?

I encourage you to listen to the full episode on YouTube or LinkedIn – the insightful takeaways build with every minute. Below, I’ve summarized just a fraction of our conversation into a few key observations (Podcast in Polish):

YouTube player

Key Factors Driving Resistance to Technological Innovation in Businesses

Generational Decision-Makers

In the past, innovation adoption was often overseen by senior managers focused on maintaining the status quo. Today, younger generations are taking on managerial roles, bringing greater openness to new technologies and a quicker recognition of their potential. However, critical funding decisions often still lie with senior executives, whose experience may make them more cautious. Bridging the generational gap through effective communication and collaboration is vital.

Perception of Innovation

Every organization is unique, and its approach to innovation is shaped by its culture. In some companies, using cutting-edge technologies like synthetic voice or video generation might be seen as progressive, while in others, it could be perceived as inauthentic or unprofessional. This highlights the diversity in how innovation is viewed and underscores the importance of tailoring approaches to fit organizational contexts.

Trust in Technology

Just as in society at large, trust in technology is a growing challenge within businesses. Concerns over deepfake culture, cyberattacks, and data security add to this mistrust. The global context of rising digital threats inevitably influences how companies view and integrate new technologies into their operations.

Valuing Originality

Original human input remains highly valued in business culture. The use of synthetic media is often seen as a shortcut that compromises authenticity. This skepticism extends to AI-generated content, which is sometimes criticized for lacking a genuine human touch.

Economics

Businesses aim to optimize costs, and automating processes often presents a financial advantage. However, replacing human interaction with technology raises concerns about dehumanizing relationships and job displacement. A lack of clear financial metrics or documented benefits of AI tools can further slow decision-making processes.

Additional Factors Influencing Resistance

  • Fear of the unknown
  • Attachment to established routines
  • Fear of loss (e.g., jobs, control)
  • Generational differences in attitudes toward technology
  • Cultural differences

We’re preparing a detailed PDF report with further insights from our conversation. Follow my LinkedIn profile to stay updated on the latest knowledge about innovation!

What else is worth knowing?

  • My TEDx talk is now available! Listen to how the Metaverse connects senses, technology, and business.
  • You can purchase my book “Kierunek Metaverse”, available in stores like Empik. You can choose from a printed version, audiobook, or e-book. I greatly enjoy the reviews I receive from you.
  • Here you can sign up for tests of our VR solutions tailored to the specific needs of the companies you work for. We can send you VR glasses or meet in person for an inspirational session. I highly recommend it!
  • You can also invite me to conduct an inspiring workshop on new VR/AR technologies, Metaverse, innovation implementation and promotion, as well as engaging employees in change. Feel free to message me on LinkedIn.
  • Let’s get to know each other better. Listen to my dynamic interview on RMF FM, where I talk about the secrets of effective innovation work, explain what the Metaverse is, and how new technologies work.