Financial Times · 28 Sep, 23:42 · Technology briefing

Letter: When technology solves problems we don’t have

A recent Financial Times letter critiques the prevailing trend of deploying advanced technological solutions to address non-existent or misdiagnosed organisational problems.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A recent Financial Times letter critiques the prevailing trend of deploying advanced technological solutions to address non-existent or misdiagnosed organisational problems. The commentary warns against the uncritical adoption of digital tools, arguing that many enterprises invest heavily in complex systems without first validating whether a genuine operational need exists. This perspective challenges the assumption that automation and AI are universally beneficial, suggesting instead that such investments often create unnecessary complexity, waste resources, and distract from core business objectives. The piece serves as a cautionary note for leaders rushing to digitise processes without rigorous problem definition.

Employer demand for Requirements Engineering skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
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You must resist the urge to automate every process. This shift elevates the value of critical thinking and problem definition over mere technical execution. Professionals who can articulate the root cause of a business issue before proposing a technological fix will become indispensable. Focus on developing strong analytical skills to assess whether a digital solution is truly necessary. Prioritise learning how to manage stakeholder expectations and communicate the strategic rationale behind technology investments. You should audit your current projects to ensure they solve real problems, not just showcase new tools. Invest in courses that teach you to evaluate business needs rigorously, ensuring your technical skills serve genuine organisational goals rather than creating artificial complexity.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
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