Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Switched On Youth Intl Innovation Technology 1611 Research Media LR
Switched On Youth Intl Innovation Technology 1611 Research Media LR
Switched On Youth Intl Innovation Technology 1611 Research Media LR
Switched-on youth
Technology plays a momentous role in shaping the future of our societies and ensuring that the
next generation is prepared to cope with the burdens and embrace the opportunities to come.
So, how exactly are we enabling our youth to contribute in this digital era?
THE FINANCIAL TIMES reports that an estimated 40 per cent of the
global population has an internet connection, with the individual figure
rising constantly. In developed countries, our digital dependencies
continue to grow, with billions of us now relying on the internet on a daily
basis for our jobs, as well as entertainment and social interaction.
On a larger scale, the Internet of Things demonstrates how network
connectivity and automated communication enables essential data
exchange across industry and society, such as for smart grids, intelligent
vehicles, manufacturing and healthcare systems.
PASSING ON THE TORCH
But who will create the innovations we need as the global population
increases, and we are faced with health, environmental and financial
burdens? Not only will societies require new technologies, those that
already exist will need improved efficiency, economic productivity and
accuracy to stay relevant. And, equally important, who will be the
sentinels protecting this technology from cyber security threats and
preventing their failure?
We must turn to the next generation of STEM researchers, which is why
youth need to be informed, motivated and supported wherever they are in
the world. Examples of this innovative spirit include then-fifteen-year-old
Canadian Ann Makosinski, who designed and built a thermoelectric torch
that uses heat from a persons hand to power the technology without
batteries or electricity. Or, then-fifteen-year-old American Jack Andraka,
INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION
who invented a new diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer that is 28 times
faster and cheaper, and over 100 times more sensitive than existing tests.
THE M IN STEM
Let us focus on the enabling agent behind many technological
advancements: mathematics. Maths underpins just about everything
from the technology in your smartphone to the banking and financial
systems that support our economy to how we measure and predict
our health, says Professor Nalini Joshi, Chair of Applied Mathematics
at the University of Sydney. Maths is also the cornerstone of all
scientific endeavour so if we are training new scientists without
a good understanding of maths, Australian science will soon be
in trouble. Although this is a national example, the sentiment
resonatesinternationally.
This statement also emphasises how maths and other STEM subjects are
integral to the development of a generation capable of not only coping
with the demands of an increasingly digital world but also having the
skills to build the future we will need.
www.internationalinnovation.com