Do you remember Kodak? In 1997, the company employed around 160,000 people and dominated nearly 85% of the global photography market. Yet, with the rapid rise of mobile cameras, Kodak failed to adapt and eventually went bankrupt, leading to the loss of all its employees.
Kodak wasn’t alone. Many once-iconic brands disappeared because they couldn’t evolve with time, including:
HMT (Watches)
Bajaj (Scooters)
Dyanora (Television)
Murphy (Radio)
Nokia (Mobile Phones)
Rajdoot (Motorcycles)
Ambassador (Cars)
None of these companies suffered due to poor quality; they simply failed to innovate.
As we stand in the present, it’s hard to imagine how much the world will transform over the next decade. But one thing is certain—70% to 90% of today’s jobs will cease to exist. We are entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation will redefine industries.
The Rise of Disruptive Companies
Consider the businesses that dominate today’s economy:
Uber – The world’s largest taxi service, yet it owns no vehicles.
Airbnb – The largest hotel chain, yet it owns no hotels.
Paytm, Ola, Oyo – Digital platforms reshaping their industries.
In the U.S., new lawyers are already struggling for work because IBM’s Watson AI can analyze legal cases far more efficiently than a human. By 2030, 90% of jobs in America could be eliminated, leaving only highly skilled professionals in demand.
AI in Healthcare & the Future of Transportation
Artificial intelligence isn’t just changing law; it’s transforming healthcare. AI-powered tools like Watson can diagnose diseases, including cancer, four times more accurately than human doctors. As AI continues to evolve, computer intelligence will surpass human intelligence by 2030.
Similarly, the transportation industry is on the brink of revolution:
90% of today’s cars will vanish within 20 years.
Electric and hybrid vehicles will dominate roads.
Self-driving cars will eliminate the need for drivers, reducing accidents by 99%.
Car insurance companies will become obsolete.
As autonomous cars replace traditional vehicles, traffic police and parking staff will no longer be needed.
The Evolution of Commerce & Money
Think about how quickly things have changed:
A decade ago, STD booths were common; mobile phones made them redundant.
Recharge shops emerged but soon became obsolete with online mobile recharges.
Now, most phones are bought online via Amazon and Flipkart.
Even money is evolving. We moved from cash to credit and debit cards, and now to mobile wallets like Paytm, where a single click can handle transactions.
Adapt or Disappear
History teaches us a simple lesson—those who fail to adapt are left behind. The world is changing faster than ever, and survival depends on embracing innovation. Keep evolving, keep learning, and stay ahead of the curve.
By Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat
Founder & CEO, BAB Group of Companies