By Christopher Schlaeffer, Chief Digital Officer, VimpelCom Ltd.
The fourth industrial revolution we are witnessing today is all about digital. It is having a profound impact on people, economies and our society at large.
The internet waits for no one and is transforming industry after industry. It’s doing this at a pace that is ever accelerating and not just in the industrialized markets of the world. The mobile industry has changed faster than any other in history. Voice is in decline. Data is the rising star.
It means that people use and consume information differently. Today, about 30% of the world’s population has a smartphone.
People can overcome geographical barriers, do business, learn, and access an infinite amount of interactive content.
As a leading international communications and technology company, VimpelCom is experiencing this revolution first hand, in all markets of operations.
The digital revolution is a great source of opportunity to leapfrog development. According to a report published by Deloitte for GSMA, enhanced data usage via mobile enabled by 3G and 4G connection can in turn lead to an increase in a country’s economic growth of up to 1.5%.[1]
One of the needs is therefore to bring digital services and opportunities directly in the hands of the unconnected, those who do not yet have access to the internet – focusing on mobile data, applications, and a simplified and more accessible digital customer experience.
This objective is clearly articulated in the recently adopted 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
One of the goals focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation.
A key aim is to provide universal and affordable access to information and communication technology (ICT) by 2020 to the 4 billion people in the world who are still unconnected.
This is why we are thinking differently about telecommunications and reinventing our business to focus on digital access, adapted services and innovation that meet local needs.
An important focus for us is to bring together the best experts in this field to innovate around the globe, working with dynamic technology ecosystems in key digital hubs like Amsterdam, Milan, London, as well as cities such as Moscow and Islamabad.
A second area of focus is investing in entrepreneurship, innovation and youth in local markets to ensure that digital tools and solutions are fully adapted to local needs, culture and habits. The innovation comes potentially from hundreds of small, digital start-up businesses providing content and solutions for local population through tools such as mobile financial services, mHealth, mAgriculture, to name just a few.
The new wave of digital services will contribute to new opportunities for countries and populations, with an impact on prosperity, education, health, productivity, and empowerment.
We are working to unlock as many of these opportunities as we can for our customers as they navigate the digital world, in partnership with local ecosystems, governments and entrepreneurs.
[1] http://www.gsma.com/publicpolicy/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/gsma-deloitte-impact-mobile-telephony-economic-growth.pdf
