Predictions of the future are often coloured by the fashion of the day and quite frequently exaggerate novelty value over practical application. Sadly, the future may be slightly more mundane than an episode of Star Trek.

Nevertheless, there is little doubt that the pace of modern technology already has a significant influence on how, where and why we work. In the future, technological advances in communication led by the Internet will increasingly impact organisations and social structures. Work will be less dependent on location and less dependent on time. Information will be instantly available and have few boundaries. Communication will be open and bi-directional providing consumers with increasing power. Emerging industries such as nanotechnology and genetic engineering will create demand for a whole new set of work skills.

Faster, more powerful technology never seems to make life any simpler so whether such advances lead to improved quality of life is debatable. But change is inevitable and those businesses and individuals best able to adapt to technological change will thrive in the 21st century .