Monitor technology trends

Survey and investigate recent trends and developments in technology. Observe and anticipate their evolution, according to current or future market and business conditions.

skill/competence

cross-sector

Monitor technology trends is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Chief ICT security officer: Chief ICT security officers protect company and employee information against unauthorized access. They also define the Information System security policy, manage security deployment across all Information Systems and ensure the provision of information availability.
Military engineer: Military engineers perform technical and scientific functions in the military, such as the development of concepts for military technical equipment, support of the manufacturing of military equipment, and technical research, maintenance, and quality assurance.
ICT business development manager: ICT business development managers increase business opportunities for the organisation and develop strategies that will enhance the smooth running of the organisation, product development and product distribution. They negotiate prices and establish contract terms.
ICT auditor manager: ICT auditor managers monitor ICT auditors responsible for auditing information systems, platforms, and operating procedures in accordance with established corporate standards for efficiency, accuracy and security. They evaluate ICT infrastructure in terms of risk to the organisation and establish controls to mitigate loss. They determine and recommend improvements in the current risk management controls and in the implementation of system changes or upgrades.
Chief technology officer: Chief technology officers contribute to a company’s technical vision and lead all aspects of technology development, according to its strategic direction and growth objectives. They match technology with business needs.
Chief information officer: Chief information officers define and implement the ICT strategy and governance. They determine necessary resources for the ICT strategy implementation, anticipate ICT market evolutions and company business needs. They contribute to the development of the organisation’s strategic plan and ensure that the ICT infrastructure supports the organisation’s overall operations and priorities.
ICT research manager: ICT research managers plan, manage and monitor research activities and evaluate emerging trends in the information and communication technology field to assess their relevance. They also design and oversee staff training on the use of new technology and recommend ways to implement new products and solutions that will maximise benefits for the organisation.
ICT product manager: ICT product managers analyse and define current and target status for ICT products, services or solutions. They estimate the cost effectiveness, points of risk, opportunities, strengths and weaknesses of products or services provided. ICT product managers create structured plans and establish time scales and milestones, ensuring optimisation of activities and resources.
Mobile devices technician: Mobile devices technicians carry out proper fault diagnosis to improve the quality of mobile devices and repair them. They provide information related to a number of services, including warranties and after-sale services.
ICT system integration consultant: ICT system integration consultants advise on bringing together different systems to interoperate within an organisation for enabling data sharing and reducing redundancy.

Software manager: Software managers oversee the acquisition and development of software systems in order to provide support to all organisational units. They also monitor the results and quality of the different software solutions and projects implemented in the organisation.

Monitor technology trends is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Automotive designer: Automotive designers create model designs in 2D or 3D and prepare isometric drawings and graphics. They also conduct research collecting data about (new) materials, market trends and production processes.
Enterprise architect: Enterprise architects balance technological opportunities with business requirements. They also maintain a holistic view of the organisation’s strategy, processes, information and ICT assets and link the business mission, strategy and processes to the ICT strategy.
Big data archive librarian: Big data archive librarians classify, catalogue and maintain libraries of digital media. They also evaluate and comply with metadata standards for digital content and update obsolete data and legacy systems.
ICT documentation manager: ICT documentation managers are in charge of managing the documentation development process in accordance with legal requirements, standards, organisational policies and goals. They schedule, control and direct the resources, people, funding and facilities of the documentation department (including establishing budgets and timelines, risk analysis and quality management). They also develop documentation standards, structuring methods and media concepts to effectively communicate product concepts and usage.
Medical sales representative: Medical sales representatives promote and sell medical devices, equipment and pharmaceutical products to healthcare professionals. They provide product information and demonstrate features to healthcare professionals. Medical representatives negotiate and close sales contracts.
IT auditor: IT auditors perform audits of information systems, platforms, and operating procedures in accordance with established corporate standards for efficiency, accuracy and security. They evaluate ICT infrastructure in terms of risk to the organisation and establish controls to mitigate loss. They determine and recommend improvements in the current risk management controls and in the implementation of system changes or upgrades.

References

1. Monitor technology trends – ESCO