According to a new report from Fujitsu, 60% of UK transport leaders believe technology will be the key to overcoming the socioeconomic issues the country currently faces.
The findings of the study, Technology in a Transforming Britain, highlight the transport industry’s belief that technology is central to its future success, with 87% of those questioned believing technology is driving positive change in their organization, while three quarters (72%) say they are excited about the change technology brings. This positive perspective is driven by the significant improvements technology has brought to the sector.
Industry leaders point to operational efficiency (38%), employee productivity (36%), and business growth (31%), as the top three benefits afforded by technology. While the industry is currently perceived to have seen little impact from technology, just 50% of the public think so, it is actually one of the most forward looking.
When asked which technologies organizations will be implementing in the next 12 months, robotic process automation (RPA) (31%), artificial intelligence (AI) (30%), and biometrics (28%) came out on top.
The UK public is also keen to see technology-fueled change in the transport sector, naming it as the top industry for this (28%) after education (40%). Almost a fifth (18%) believe transport is changing more than any other industry today, with nearly half (43%) saying electric cars will make the most positive impact on their lives, second only to 5G mobile networks (44%).
However, from the public’s perspective, there appears to be reluctance to embrace some new technologies: 41% are uncomfortable with the idea of driverless car, with only 18% of the public willing to put their child in a self-driving vehicle. From a business perspective, despite the positivity around technology, just 55% of business leaders feel fully prepared for technological change, less than the national average (63%).
“The transport sector is changing faster than ever before, and its positive approach to technology adoption can bring huge advantages for UK citizens and sector organizations,” said Russell Goodenough, client managing director of transport at Fujitsu.
“As we look ahead, it’s clear we can expect significant further changes as technologies like AI and biometrics are rolled out across the sector. What’s critical now, is for transport leaders to develop clear digital strategies that will see the greatest impact made, so that we can help provide the technology and expertise to help them succeed.
“Skills is one area that must be tackled head on, as only 58% of transport professionals believe employees have the skills to take full advantage of new technology.”
