The Future of Work 4.0: Disruptive technologies, opportunity or threat?

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During this Breakfast Briefing on 19 June 2018, Dr Peter Bloom, Senior Lecturer in Organisational Studies and Head of the Department for People and Organisations at The Open University Business School, gave his thoughts on the Future of Work in relation to the widely-predicted 'fourth industrial revolution'.

Peter asked asked how can the rapid technological advances in computing, robotics and communications that are revolutionising work and life, be empowering, rather than dis-empowering, for people and organisations? He explored the ways in which practitioners can use technology for social empowerment and how we can create a smarter workforce.

View the presentation slides from the event.

The Breakfast Briefings are a series of face-to-face events, as part of The Open University Business Network. These events aim to foster collaboration and create an opportunity to explore together the latest and best of business thinking. We understand business and want to help your business flourish by sharing our insights into leadership and management at this series of collaborative events. In between briefings, why not join in on LinkedIn.

Upcoming Events

May 21

CVSL Conference 2026: Voluntary Sector Leadership - what next?

Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 10:00 to 16:00

The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA

Join us at this year’s annual conference as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of CVSL. Together we’ll reflect on a decade of impact and look ahead to the next ten years, featuring insights and reflections from former CVSL directors.

Jun 2

Technology, Inclusion and Esports: Opening Up New Spaces of Participation

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - 10:30 to 12:30

Online and and in person at The Open University, Kents Hill, MK7 6BB

This event explores the relationship between technology, inclusion, and esports, examining how digital gaming environments can create new opportunities for participation, connection, and belonging in society and organisations.