It builds on the Fourth Industrial Revolution: a fusion of new technologies and transformation of industry, which coincides with shifts in science, society and human life. Where big science meets big problems such as demographic, health and well-being concerns, the need for sustainable economic growth, and possibly the defining challenge of our time, climate change. Some call this moment the Fifth Industrial Revolution, which evolves the relationship between humans and machines. To maximise the potential of technology to improve society and find harmonious, ethical and sustainable pathways to doing so.      

We see positive technologies as a force for change in this landscape; innovation where the end result means something. They can also be among this moment’s reshaping of industry, to rethink industrial and organisational practices in service of such goals. This coincides with global shifts in industrial policy, a trend in long term agendas for innovation policies to address a societal need.      

It’s an increasingly mission-driven, proactive approach to create more manufacturing, jobs and growth, and strengthen individual nations against the shocks of our time. The shifting landscape in industry calls to embrace a new era of agility and ‘bottom-up’ experimentation, typical of the work we want to support.

Positive technologies embody this mission, whether by directly advancing innovation or by enabling others to succeed through streamlined processes or facilitation.

While some positive technologies are centred on technological breakthroughs, we also recognise the value of organisations that support such advancements by optimising industrial processes and other critical functions.

In larger organisations, where this type of impact may be one part of a broader mission, it’s essential to evaluate the total impact.

We must ensure in our consideration that the positives outweigh any negatives, confirming that the organisation’s overall contribution is a net benefit to society and the environment.

To identify this, we look for a match with our core values. Drive ingenuity, challenge the conventional, and prioritise transparency. This means, for example, the capacity for honesty regardless of hierarchy or lack of.

An openness to change and to challenge current thinking-models or ways of operating. Removing obstacles such as ego or politics from the path of success. And a healthy desire to see things clearly.

We also value an openness to having more voices in the room to promote innovation — when experimenting, often great ideas come from the complete work floor.

Essentially, being willing to shake up any rigidity, to better enable transformation.