leadership
Kranzberg’s Six Laws of Technology: A Practical Rules for the Era of AI
Kranzberg’s Six Laws of Technology: Practical Rules for the Era of AI
In today’s world, technology is everywhere—from how we work to how we communicate, learn, and govern. Policymakers have a huge responsibility to handle this well. The fast pace of tech change needs more than just reacting; it needs a proactive, informed, and ethical approach. This is where Melvin Kranzberg’s Six Laws of Technology come in handy, giving valuable insights for those shaping our laws and society. These laws show the complexities of technology’s influence and remind us that good governance in the digital age is as much about values and human choices as it is about tech innovation.
1. “Technology is neither good nor bad; nor is it neutral.”
Politicians need to face a sobering truth: no technology is inherently good or bad. It’s how we use it that matters. This means laws and policies can’t be neutral. AI, social media, and facial recognition can protect citizens or violate their rights. The power to decide this lies with policymakers. By being proactive—anticipating misuse, addressing ethical concerns, and embedding human values into tech systems—legislators can make sure innovation serves the public good.
Take data privacy, for example. Tools that collect lots of data can improve healthcare and urban planning, but they can also turn our societies into surveillance states. It’s not the tech itself that’s the problem, but the rules and ethics that guide its use—or the lack of them. The message is clear: lawmakers need to create rules that prioritize accountability, transparency, and fairness in every tech decision.
2. “Invention is the mother of necessity.”
Kranzberg flips the traditional saying, suggesting that innovation creates new needs before society even realizes them. This law should be a wake-up call to anticipate the unexpected consequences of technology. Tech creates new demands on public infrastructure, education systems, and even social norms. For instance, boom in e-commerce and remote work needs new investments in broadband, cybersecurity, and worker protection laws. Not adapting means failing to meet society’s evolving needs.
Leaders need to act as architects of the future, not just passive observers. Policymakers should invest in forward-looking education that prepares citizens for future jobs and supports new infrastructure that meets the demands of emerging technologies. This includes investments in green tech, renewable energy, and automation for sustainable growth.
3. “Technology comes in packages, big and small.”
When new technologies come out, they don’t stand alone. The ripple effect of innovation often creates entire ecosystems. Take electric vehicles (EVs) as an example: EVs need a network of charging stations, changes to urban planning, and shifts in energy policy. Kranzberg’s third law highlights the need for holistic thinking.
Laws shouldn’t focus just on individual technologies but on the systems they’re part of. Governments must consider how new developments affect the broader economy, workforce, and environment. This requires cross-sector collaboration, comprehensive impact assessments, and a multi-disciplinary approach to governance. It’s not enough to regulate in silos—every innovation should be seen within the larger framework of societal, economic, and environmental connections.
4. “Although technology might be a prime element in many public issues, nontechnical factors take precedence in technology-policy decisions.”
Tech progress is powerful, but it can’t be separated from the social, political, and cultural contexts it operates in. Public opinion, political ideologies, and economic interests often shape the adoption and regulation of new technologies. For example, the debate over renewable energy isn’t just about the capabilities of wind or solar power, but about interests in fossil fuels, political will, and public opinion.
We need to recognize that while science and tech details matter, the most crucial factors in tech policy are often human values. Questions of fairness, accessibility, and equity must be central in every debate. The digital divide, for instance, isn’t just a tech problem but a socioeconomic one, deeply rooted in inequality. Ensuring that tech advancements benefit all citizens—regardless of income, location, or background—is one of the most important responsibilities of modern governance.
5. “All history is relevant, but the history of technology is the most relevant.”
A wise leader knows that tech progress isn’t a straight line. History is full of lessons about how society has adapted—or failed to adapt—to tech change. The Industrial Revolution, for example, brought economic growth but also inequalities, labor struggles, and environmental damage. Without learning from these experiences, we’re doomed to repeat the same mistakes.
This law emphasizes the need for historically informed policy. We should study past tech revolutions to understand the patterns and pitfalls of innovation. Automation, AI, and biotech are today’s game-changers, but they echo challenges humanity has faced before. Governments should use this knowledge to craft policies that minimize harm, distribute benefits fairly, and protect vulnerable populations from being left behind.
6. “Technology is a very human activity—and so is the history of technology.”
At its core, technology isn’t just about gadgets and algorithms; it’s about people. Creation, use, and consequences are driven by human choices, needs, and values. For politicians, this means that tech governance must always prioritize human welfare over tech advancement for its own sake.
AI might boost efficiency, but will it cost jobs and dignity? Autonomous weapons could reduce human casualties in conflict, but will they make war more likely? These are ethical questions that require a deep sense of human responsibility. Every policy should reflect a commitment to protecting human rights, enhancing quality of life, and promoting social justice. Only by remembering the human element can policymakers ensure that technology truly serves society rather than undermines it.
Conclusion: Leading in the Age of Technology
Kranzberg’s Six Laws of Technology are a wake-up call for decision-makers and policymakers who want to lead responsibly in this age of innovation. They remind us that technology isn’t destiny—it’s shaped by our daily decisions. Policymakers must act with foresight, ethical clarity, and a deep understanding of the opportunities and risks of tech change.
Effective tech governance requires a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that considers historical lessons, societal impact, and human values at every step. As we stand on the edge of new tech revolutions—whether in AI, climate tech, or biomedical innovation—Kranzberg’s laws should serve as a guiding framework, helping us navigate the complexities of our digital future with wisdom and integrity.
Melvin Kranzberg (1917-1995) was a prominent historian of technology, known for his deep insights into the relationship between technology and society. A professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, he co-founded the Society for the History of Technology (SHOT) and was the editor of its journal Technology and Culture. Kranzberg’s work emphasized that technology doesn’t exist in isolation but is deeply influenced by social, political, and historical contexts. His “Six Laws of Technology” remains a foundational framework for understanding the broader impacts of technological advancements today.
Tuottavuus, robotiikka ja vihreä siirtymä
Automaatio, robotiikka ja vihreä siirtymä: Suomen on toimittava nopeasti tuottavuuden ja kestävyyden puolesta.
Suomen tuottavuuden kasvu on ollut hidasta vuodesta 2008. Nyt meillä on käsillä ratkaiseva ja pakottava hetki muuttaa suuntaa ja korjata kurssi. Automaatio, älykäs robotiikka ja vihreä siirtymä tarjoavat avaimet kestävään kasvuun, mutta nämä mahdollisuudet on hyödynnettävä nyt – ei sitten joskus. Teknologian avulla Suomi voi kasvattaa tuottavuutta ja siirtyä kohti kestävämpää, vähähiilistä taloutta, mutta myös sosiaalisesti kestävää yhteiskuntaa. Vatulointi ei ole enää vaihtoehto. Nyt on aika toimia.
Automaatio ja robotiikka ovat välttämättömiä kaikilla aloilla
Automaatio ja robotiikka eivät ole enää tulevaisuuden teknologioita – ne ovat valmiina palvelukseen, jos haluamme parantaa tehokkuutta ja optimoida resurssien käyttöä. Automatisointi kaikilla toimialoilla mahdollistaa nopeamman tuotannon, pienemmät kustannukset ja alhaisemman energiankulutuksen. Tämä ei ole pelkästään taloudellinen kysymys, vaan myös ympäristökysymys. Automaatio auttaa yrityksiä pienentämään hiilijalanjälkeään ja tehostamaan energian käyttöä.
Vihreä siirtymä edellyttää automaation hyödyntämistä niin teollisuusuudessa, palveluissa kuin terveydenhuollossa ja hoivassakin. Valmistuksessa robotiikka voi optimoida tuotantoprosesseja ja vähentää raaka-aineiden hävikkiä ja auttaa kierrätyksessä. Tämä on keskeistä kestävän tuottavuuden ja talouden rakentamisessa.
Älykäs robotiikka ja tekoäly terveydenhuollossa
Älykäs robotiikka ja tekoäly mullistavat terveydenhuollon parantamalla hoidon tehokkuutta, tarkkuutta ja saatavuutta. Jo nyt robottikirurgia mahdollistaa toimenpiteiden suorittamisen tarkemmin ja vähemmän invasiivisesti, mikä nopeuttaa potilaiden toipumista. Jo nyt tekoäly analysoi suuria potilastietomääriä, ennustaa sairauksien riskejä ja auttaa lääkäreitä tekemään tietoon perustuvia hoitopäätöksiä. Tuottavuutta parantaisi huomattavasti, jos esimerkiksi sisälogistiikan robotisoinnin ja kirjaamisen automatisoinnin avulla vapautetaan terveydenhuollon henkilöstöä rutiinitehtävistä, kuten tarvikkeiden siirtämisestä ja potilastietojen manuaalisesta kirjaamisesta. Näin voidaan parantaa hoidon sujuvuutta ja vähentää inhimillisiä virheitä, mikä lisää terveydenhuollon tuottavuutta, laatua ja kustannustehokkuutta.
Työvoiman on oltava valmis vihreään ja automatisoituun tulevaisuuteen
Valmius ottaa käyttöön uusia teknologioita ja omaksumaan kestävän kehityksen periaatteet on välttämätöntä, jotta yritykset ja muut organisaatiot voivat menestyä toiminnassaan. Kyse ei ole enää tulevaisuuden asiasta – siirtymä on jo käynnissä ja teknologiat ovat monessa maassa jo tehokäytössä. Suomessa työvoiman on sopeuduttava nopeasti. Koulutusjärjestelmäämme on uudistettava, jotta voimme tarjota työntekijöille oikeat taidot ja mahdollisuudet toimia ympäristössä, jossa myös älykkäät apulaiset – tekoälyllä varustetut robotit – toimivat.
On tärkeää ymmärtää, että automaatio ei tarkoita työpaikkojen menettämistä – se tarkoittaa niiden muuttumista. Uusia työpaikkoja syntyy teknologian ja kestävän kehityksen ympärille, mutta tämä vaatii oppimista, koulutusta ja uudelleenkoulutusta. Työntekijöiden on oltava valmiita oppimaan uusia taitoja ja sopeutumaan uuteen teknologiseen ja kestävään todellisuuteen.
Toiminnan on oltava ripeää ja päättäväistä
Suomen tulevaisuus riippuu siitä, kuinka nopeasti ja tehokkaasti toimimme automaation, robotiikan ja vihreän siirtymän saralla. Emme voi enää odottaa, sillä kilpailijamaat ovat jo tarttuneet toimeen. Jokainen viivytys maksaa meille paitsi tuottavuuden ja elinvoiman menetyksinä sekä taloudellisesti ja tietysti ympäristön kannalta. Vihreän siirtymän ja teknologisen kehityksen yhdistäminen ei ole vain mahdollisuus – se on välttämättömyys, ja meidän on toimittava nyt.
Vihreä automaatio: Suomi voi ottaa johtavan roolin
Ollaan rehellisiä. Suomi ei tule olemaan tekoälyn suurmaa, eikä digitalisaation. Silti voimme olla, ja olemmekin, niissä hyviä. Ihan ok. Missä voimme olla edelläkävijöitä ja suunnannäyttäjiä on kestävän automaation ja robotiikan hyödyntäminen ja miksipä ei näiden teknologioiden valmistaminenkin. Tämä toki edellyttää investointeja, yhteistyötä yritysten ja julkisen sektorin välillä sekä nopeita päätöksiä. Nyt ei ole aikaa viivyttelyyn ja varovaisuuteen – on tehtävä rohkeita päätöksiä, jotka ohjaavat meitä kohti kestävää ja tuottavaa tulevaisuutta.
Vihreä siirtymä ja robotiikka eivät ole toistensa vastakohtia – ne kulkevat käsi kädessä. Yhdessä ne tarjoavat Suomelle mahdollisuuden olla teknologian ja kestävän kehityksen globaalissa kärjessä. Toimiessamme nyt voimme varmistaa, että Suomi on eturintamassa tulevaisuuden tuottavuudessa ja ekologisessa kestävyydessä. Toimikaamme siis ripeästi ja määrätietoisesti – Suomen tulevaisuus riippuu siitä!
PS: Olen kirjoittanut lyhyen esityksen kirjaamisen automatisoinnista ja sisälogistikan robotiikasta. Ota yhteyttä jos ”paperi” kiinnostaa.
The quantum era requires curiosity, and the ability to look far enough into the future
The need for knowledge is now growing faster than the ability of degree programs to keep up with developments. It is worth keeping an eye on the quantum time on the horizon because it is estimated to be a reality in 2030. When realized, quantum machines will revolutionize our understanding of the possibilities of technology.
The importance of developing technology will increase strongly in the coming years. However, the ability of organizations to perceive the possibilities of new technologies is still limited:
Companies and organizations already know how to describe goals, objectives, and processes quite well as part of strategy work, and how to reach the goal. However, often one important question is left unasked: what should we learn to reach the goal?
Learning itself is in transition. Many of the developing technologies are such that degrees have not yet been developed around them. As part of the green transition, we will experience a wave of micro-degrees and a shift in learning towards non-formal learning. The need for knowledge is now growing faster than the ability of degree programs to keep up with developments.
It is worth keeping an eye on the quantum era on the horizon because it is estimated to be a reality in 2030. When realized, quantum machines will revolutionize our understanding of the possibilities of technology.
The Quantum era challenges human perception
Whereas today’s computers calculate digital bits, ones or zeros, a quantum computer calculates with qubits, which enable the processing of huge masses of data simultaneously. The scale can be understood, for example, by the fact that Google’s 54-qubit machine completed a task in about 3 minutes, which, according to Google’s estimate, would have taken a traditional supercomputer ten thousand years. In addition to Google, Intel, IBM, and Microsoft are also participating in the global quantum computing race, while governments like China, the United States, and England are investing in quantum technologies. In Finland, VTT has acquired its quantum machine.
Quantum technology is hoped to provide solutions to many questions affecting the energy industry, medicine, and at the same time the whole of humanity. It is possible that we will find, for example, things about climate change that we cannot currently understand and simulate, because the capacity of today’s computers is not enough.
With the help of quantum technology, we will probably get more information about humans as well, and we will be able to produce more individualized information for medicine and understanding of the human molecular level. These are challenging topics and often the most difficult questions of all, to which the computing power of the human brain is impossible to adapt.
“Like a thief in the night”
Although the quantum era still seems far away to many, quantum computing and quantum technology are currently developing at such a pace that it is worth following the development closely.
Attention should be paid to the quantum. For example in Finnish companies, so far there have been almost no preparations for the arrival of quantum technology, which is very worrying. In many organizations, the matter has not been given even the first thought, even though it is important to at least be aware of the existence of quantum technologies.
A point of comparison can be applied to artificial intelligence; artificial intelligence also experienced the so-called artificial intelligence winter when its realization was not believed. In 2017, artificial intelligence spread to everyone’s consciousness, and new applications started to enter the market. Artificial intelligence became a reality and part of the everyday life of organizations. A similar development can be expected from quantum machines.
All signals and almost daily progress support the fact that we are moving forward all the time. One day, five, ten, or twenty years from now, a quantum computer will be a reality. Preparation for the quantum era must start now because when the time comes, it happens out of the blue, and challenges, which are difficult to overcome as a winner, arise for the unprepared.
From data security and cyber security point of view, quantum technology also brings a clear challenge. If a quantum machine can break virtually any current encryption, it will significantly increase the threat of cyber-attacks and make, for example, current blockchain technologies vulnerable. On the other hand, with the help of a quantum machine, it may be possible to create a completely unbreakable internet, which takes cyber security to a new level.
Quantum technology can be used for research and product development or for improving the productivity of processes in many different industries. It becomes easier to produce different analysis and forecasting models and, for example, in the banking and financial sector, fraud prevention, and risk assessment become substantially more effective.
From humanity’s point of view, the greatest benefits arise from speeding up the development cycles of medicines and vaccines, as well as combating climate change, and the possibility to reduce emissions.
Quantum technology also requires a change in mindset
Quantum technology requires an extensive change in the way of thinking, when the current digital world gets from a world that consists of strings of ones and zeros, to a world where ones and zeros are simultaneous and in two states at the same time.
Everything will be much faster
The words efficiency and productivity will not disappear anywhere, but in the future, they will focus on things other than human-made work. In practice, this means, for example, that when a quantum machine simulates a solution quickly, the meaning of human work changes.
It is good to be aware that this does not mean that human work will disappear, but that the importance of humans as part of the process must be seen differently. A person must see meaning in the process itself; for example, in learning something new, better understanding humanity, or increasing empathy. In the future, the manager’s most important task will be handling this slow and at the same time lightning-fast process and asking the right and meaningful questions.
The paradigm shift will also be seen as a change in decision-making, which will be revolutionary in terms of management. While now we can in some way trace how artificial intelligence has reached its conclusions, it is not possible to act in the same way with a quantum machine, because there might be no traceability.
The absence of verification and relying on a quantum machine will be big leaps forward because we are used to being able to verify how the result or conclusion in question has been reached.
The leader of the quantum era dares to think big
From the point of view of companies, it is important to think about how an organization can succeed with the help of a quantum machine, and what are the questions that we can seek answers to with the help of a quantum machine?
Leaders who know how to think big and who dare to tackle multidimensional and difficult problems by utilizing quantum technology to solve them will succeed in the quantum era. The problems themselves must be able to be formulated from different perspectives than before.
Competing actors should be kept an eye on and at least be aware of their goals to introduce quantum technology. Unprepared companies sooner or later face the so-called zero moments, which makes an unprepared company unnecessary, history has many examples of this to tell.
Emerging technologies and becoming familiar with them is on the agenda of a future-aware government operating in the present. It is not enough for the boards of companies and organizations to only look at the year that started, but the focus should be further, ten or even tens of years away. However, this does not necessarily mean that there should be ready-made plans. For many, it is enough to be curious about the becoming quantum era.
It’s about increasing awareness and following the development of technology even from the corner of the eye. About realizing that when quantum time is realized, it will change many existing truths.
Anticipating quantum time is one of the most important tasks of management
The development of quantum technology already offers us many possible paths to the future and the questions in which direction leadership should develop. Following weak signals and advancements and being aware of technological developments plays a key role in future-proof management.
You can still hear a lot of voices saying that there will be no quantum era. Of course, this may be possible, but very unlikely so. This is evidenced, for example, by the significant investments that are currently being made in quantum machines around the world. Fundamental breakthroughs have also been made where a quantum computer has already been able to be more efficient than a classical computer in a narrow sector. Currently, the development of quantum technology is moving forward by leaps and bounds.
That’s why it’s interesting how quantum time has received so little attention in companies so far. It seems that the biggest reason why the quantum era does not fit on the management’s agenda is that the issue and the importance of the phenomenon are not yet fully understood, or the topic still seems too distant.
However, it is typical for development that things progress slowly at first until suddenly a leap forward is taken. In the same way that the development of a traditional computer has taken it from one large, room-sized machine to a tool that fits in your pocket, a similar future awaits the quantum machine.
That’s why it’s worth looking at and familiarizing yourself with the quantum future right now.
#technology #quantumconputing #prediction
The article was originally published in Finnish at Johdonagendalla leadership portal.
Cristina Andersson is an entrepreneur and business management consultant. She has been working with artificial intelligence and robotics since 2011. She is a member of the steering group of the Artificial Intelligence 4.0 program led by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, and she serves as the chair of the program’s Green transition group. Cristina is an educationalist by background. She has also studied the future of work, technology, and management, and she sees professional foresight and learning as a vital part of continuous learning. She believes that one must understand emerging technologies to realize what to learn and study.
Cristina Andersson 