Industry Insights About Translation Technologies: Current Needs and Future Trends

Globalisation and technological innovation have sparked significant structural changes in the language industry in the last decade. Faced with this reality, we find ourselves at a critical moment to reflect on the technological needs and trends of this dynamic sector. In order to provide as accurate a picture as possible, we have reviewed leading industry stakeholders’ publications on the state of the language industry, with a twofold aim: to identify (1) the existing professional profiles that require technology-related skills and know-how and (2) the current technological trends. All the publications reviewed confirm that the language industry is highly technologised and that traditional profiles now require high levels of technology-related skills. However, there is yet to be a clear answer as to where the profession is heading, given the relentless process of technological change taking place in the sector. Language service providers and independent professionals are well aware that new technologies may be developed that will have a disruptive effect on the way translation services are performed and delivered.