Technology - it's an age thing

Intel chairman Dr Andy Grove has told delegates at a CBI conference that they should be guided by younger staff in making decisions about technology.

"Let the instincts of junior people dictate what should be done in the future," he said. He went on to argue that because younger staff have grown up with computers they are more comfortable with the technology and its potential.

Grove's comments follow on the decision of Dorling Kindersley's deputy chairman to resign, announced last week. Christopher Davies has opted for early retirement, saying he felt left behind by rapidly changing systems. As a demonstration of its commitment to technology, DK recently decided to publish all of its books online.

Grove's argument clearly needs to be tempered with business sense and experience, but there seems little question that his basic point is on-target.

Last month i-FM reported on the findings of an extensive research programme that demonstrated the degree to which young people are 'internalising' IT. These results showed that computer-based systems are increasingly taken for granted by younger staff. Researchers noted that the incoming generation of employees brings definite expectations for company systems and support services.

Elliott Chase