Titans Predictions for 2020

In advance of the 4th Annual Titans of Tech event on January 8, we asked our Titans to make predictions for 2020 relative to their industry. Due to the holidays, we managed to get 8 out of 11 Titans to provide their predictions.

Marc Randolph

I predict that Disney+ will exceed its subscriber forecast, but then, surprisingly, so will Netflix.  Research will reveal that rather than the "streaming wars” being a competitive net-sum game, it’s actually encouraging more people to go over-the-top and increasing the size of the streaming pie for everyone.

Nina Simon

I predict that "belonging" will become a top value in a world of forced migration, tribalism, and division. The organizations, businesses, and services that enable diverse people to feel a sense of belonging will win. Many will approach it superficially. But those who do it in a deep way will fundamentally change how people feel about their own safety, creativity, self-worth, and each other. 

Joe Burton

Due to innovations in remote collaboration solutions including  voice and video, many companies will begin offering “remote collaboration kits” to attract top talent regardless of the person’s physical location in the world.

David Haussler

I predict significant advances in DNA sequencing this year. Specifically, the Oxford Nanopore and Pacific Biosciences systems are improving rapidly, gaining new capabilities, and, separately, DNA forensics will actually start to realize the crime-solving capabilities depicted every night on TV.

Jason Borgen

Education technology is constantly shifting to provide more personalized, data-informed, and transformative learning experiences for students. In Santa Cruz, I believe we will see an increased linkage to our local workforce as we strive to build a bridge for computer science education to support student readiness for local careers and awareness around how technology affects our lives day-to-day (digital citizenship). Furthermore, with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education working with local partners and schools districts to build a robust Cradle to Career data system, our students will make sound and meaningful decisions toward career successes. Building data literacy will be essential for all school stakeholders in 2020!

Aaron Huang

Student entrepreneurship will continue to thrive across the nation. As more grants and venture funding begin to invest more towards technology-savvy college population, as well as an increasing establishment of university-based incubators/programs, I expect undergraduate/graduate students to lead innovation in 2020 and for years to come. 

Brad Barbeau

At the end of 2019, it takes 10 years to become an overnight success. I predict that at the end of 2020, it will take 10 years to become an overnight success. The conclusion? Start your business now. That'll get you there one year earlier.

LeBaron Meyers

In 2020, the status quo of updating company policies and requiring harassment trainings to address workplace misconduct will not be enough to satisfy, recruit and retain top talent. This will be seen as merely checking a compliance box for the protection of companies-- not employees. Employees will continue to speak up - more easily and more often through practical, powerful products like #NotMe - and require action over lip service. Proactive employers who shift their perspective to recognize reports from their employees as opportunities rather than liabilities will not only prevent massive (potentially public) downfalls, but also establish trust that exponentially begets success. Santa Cruz will lead the charge with multiple #NotMe employers already in place - and many more to come - evolving company culture and standards from an era of #MeToo to one of #NotMe.

Iris Kavanagh

2020 will be the year the world (or at least the press) forgets about WeWork, even for just one moment. Tens of thousands of indie coworking operators across the globe are moving the future of work forward as they build strong coworking communities, one relationship at a time while employing sustainable business practices. These operators will form collaborative alliances, allowing them to develop economies of scale in their marketing and outreach efforts, yet remain true to their neighborhoods and unique brands. Think of a small city like Santa Cruz, which can support 4 shared workspaces within a 10 block radius of our downtown. Focusing on their unique offering allows these operators to serve the Santa Cruz community without a need to compete. Taking this to the next level, through collaborative marketing efforts, the four operators could increase market awareness of the benefits of coworking, thereby allowing all of the shared workspaces in the Santa Cruz area to benefit from the rising tide of people joining the collaborative workspace movement.