The quote presents technological change as a force that can create benefits while also disrupting established products, organisations and ways of working. Rather than treating new technology as inherently beneficial or harmful, the argument recognises that its effects can run in both directions. Once a technical capability becomes practical, competitive and economic pressures often encourage someone to develop and apply it.

The practical implication is that resisting technological change may be less effective than preparing for its consequences. For businesses and institutions, this can mean monitoring emerging capabilities, questioning assumptions and considering how established strategies might need to change. Preparation does not require accepting every innovation uncritically; technological developments can still involve costs, risks and difficult choices. The central point is that organisations are better placed when they anticipate change and build the capacity to respond, rather than assuming that existing conditions will remain stable.

Full quotation

“Are such developments [technological change] a constructive or destructive force? In my view, they are both. And they are inevitable. In technology, whatever can be done will be done. We can’t stop these changes. We can’t hide from them. Instead, we must focus on getting ready for them.”