Beyond the Industry 4.0, Internet of Things or Big Data buzzwords: these terms are standard in the discussion of how new technologies will change our daily life, particularly in the context of work. But, simply name dropping doesn't really help us to understand what and how exactly technology is changing in our world of work.

The types of careers and career development are also influenced by the possibilities, given to us by technologies, to strive for a work-life balance and the wish for co-working and alternative places of work.

We will face exciting questions: how is the future of work and entrepreneurship being shaped by decentralised business and numerous managed location? Does digitisation, which is forcing medium-sized enterprises to iterate, change labour rights or staff relations? Will small business be left out to dry or face the challenge of reacting to new demands with flexibility and the use of digital tool to predict their impact?

To understand these questions is the goal of our Business & Work track. We'll also give attention to the impacts of Industry 4.0 and the automation of production. Many believe that robots will take away many of our jobs. Couldn't they also become indispensable partners in the working world?

From video conference tools to websites and software, technology is also enabling new forms of collaboration which makes cooperative project work with participants located all across the world easier and more realistic. How will technology steer and transform future means of cooperation? What is the future of professional collaboration?

These are just some of the themes and topics which will be advance in the Business & Work track at re:publica 2017 and we'll be looking to move beyond the buzzwords and, instead, examine the real issues of digital transformation of working process and entrepreneurship.  

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The Business & Work track is presented by t3n. 

Photo credit: Bryce Johnson (CC BY 2.0)