This archive report was first published on 16 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, it's clear that adversity has become a catalyst for innovation. The crisis has spurred the development of life-changing technologies, from digital solutions to remote working and robots delivering essential services.
During the Second World War, the first digital computer and rocket technology emerged in response to the challenges faced by the world. Similarly, the pandemic has fast-tracked innovations that were previously unimaginable. Companies have had to adapt their business practices and strategies to improve customer and employee safety, leading to the adoption of new technologies and services.
From plexiglass shields at supermarket checkouts to take-away and home delivery services, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies. Video conferencing has replaced face-to-face meetings, and remote working has become a permanent option for many companies, including Twitter, Google, and Facebook.
While the debate continues over whether remote working boosts productivity, it's clear that this model reduces commute time and has the potential to increase worker retention. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of robots in delivering essential services, with China using robots to deliver medicines and meals in hospitals, and Ghana and Rwanda using drones to deliver medical supplies to rural health centres.
In Kenya, innovators have seized the moment, creating ventilators, walk-through misting disinfectants, and face masks and shields. The entertainment industry has also found new ways to create, perform, and connect with audiences online.
The pandemic may have shaken the foundations of public health, but it has also become a crucible for great novelties. The range of Covid-19-inspired innovations is a demonstration that adversity is a tonic for innovators.
