There are three megatrends in mobility that are revolutionizing the economic world, according to Memphis, Tennessee supply chain giant FedEx in a new report.
This trio of economic megatrends is highlighted in FedEx’s 2016 “Access 25”—an annual list of 25 people, places, and ideas defining global connectivity.
“”We’re in the midst of a mobile revolution that extends far beyond your phone,” said the report. “For many businesses, mobile has become the primary touch point with customers. But take a look through a wider lens, and it’s clear the mobile economy exists within a larger and much broader development in global business: a revolution in mobility in general.”
“Mobility includes digital-mobile technology, of course, but also all of the transformational personal, logistical and social changes critical to e-commerce. Food is more mobile. Biomedicine is more mobile. Electronic banking has made global capital more mobile. Innovation itself is more mobile,” it continued.
FedEx says one of these megatrends is how mobility is empowering people as consumers and as part of a global workforce. “Thanks to mobility, experts can collaborate and consumers can shop from anywhere, even in the most remote corners of the world,” said the report.
Another is how mobility is fueling innovation. From robotic exoskeletons to crisis-relief mapping to the continuous rise of cities such as Dubai, mobility is bringing dramatic change to nearly every industry.
Finally, mobility is an agent for societal change. Access to healthcare, education, the arts and more is improving the infrastructure of our world in every imaginable way.
Within each of the three megatrends, the Access 25 list also investigates related microtrends impacting global commerce.
Among these is the use of Wi-Fi balloons, in which companies like Google and Facebook are working to bring connectivity to parts of the world where a lack of fiber, towers, and infrastructure thwarts internet service.
Another is mobile healthcare. Mobile clinics are taking health professionals to rural parts of the world and allowing them to proactively treat illnesses.
A third is the way robotic exoskeletons are blending human capabilities with robotic components to make once unthinkable feats possible. At speeds of 10 miles per hour, soldiers are suiting up in these exoskeletons to move up to 200 pounds of gear.
Raj Subramaniam, executive vice president for global marketing and communications, said, “An open and connected world is a more prosperous, sustainable and caring world. This connectivity allows our best thinking to compound and multiply—and when it’s easier to bring new ideas to new markets, everyone benefits.”
Photo from FedEx
