The future of knowledge work: predictions for 2020

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe findings from a study of current leading edge knowledge workers and to discuss the challenges and issues that knowledge workers may face in 2020, as the world of work shifts into a knowledge economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a discussion paper inspired by findings from an ethnographic study of knowledge workers who worked remotely or on the go, using leading edge technology like smart phones.

Findings

Today's knowledge workers have a need for better information integration across devices and sources. They struggle to maintain ubiquitous access to electrical power and the internet, and they find it difficult to integrate multiple formats of incoming information into their digital landscape. It is expected that the problems of information integration and infrastructure access will be solved by 2020. However, the paper predicts that knowledge workers of the future will face the daunting task of making sense of vast amounts of incoming information, once they have ubiquitous, integrated access. The paper discusses several solutions and approaches that will help with this daunting task: making information spaces visible, context‐aware systems, and user awareness and control. Additionally, it describes three tensions, which provides a backdrop for discussing opportunities for technology innovations in support of future knowledge workers. These tensions are: information does not equal knowledge; knowledge is global, mobile and difficult to contain behind the firewall; and increasing knowledge‐intensity is not reflected in today's educational outcomes. The paper concludes with a discussion of the kinds of tools and processes that will support the success of knowledge workers in 2020.

Originality/value

The paper is grounded in observations of today's leading edge knowledge workers. Based on study findings, it predicts challenges that future knowledge workers will face and propose processes and solutions that can help knowledge workers to successfully overcome these challenges.

Citation

Watts Perotti, J., Wall, P. and McLaughlin, G. (2010), "The future of knowledge work: predictions for 2020", On the Horizon, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 213-221. https://doi.org/10.1108/10748121011072663