GALA Strategic Priorities
2023-2025
The global language services and technologies sector continues to evolve rapidly. Predictions about the future are difficult, yet several trends are clear. These trends will challenge the industry in ways that require adaptation, agility, and bold action.
To equip GALA members with the resources needed to navigate change, GALA has identified four strategic priorities for the next three years. Through its content and programming, and via the GALA community itself, the association will research, inform, discuss, debate, advise, and do its utmost to prepare the membership for what’s to come.
Technology
The increasing application of developing language technologies will impact expectations, capabilities, and roles throughout the supply chain.GOAL
Convey the true value of applied language technologies including those related to artificial intelligence and machine learning and provide a human-centric perspective on opportunities, best practices, use cases, impacts, and emerging job roles.
STRATEGY
Provide current, unbiased information about trending technologies and describe realistic outcomes and business impacts. Enumerate and describe emerging opportunities created by new language technologies.
TACTICS AND TOOLS
- Factual information and data
- Use cases
- Member data on outcomes
- Job descriptions
- Role-specific training
WHY IT MATTERS
It’s easy to get swept up in the hype. GALA can help provide clarity to make decisions and actions easier to take.
Business Landscape
Traditional roles, values, and business models will be upended by margin pressure, technology, and new societal norms.GOAL
Facilitate honest discussion about margin pressure, working conditions, and the traditional translation business model so that problems and solutions can be identified collaboratively.
STRATEGY
Create a forum where industry stakeholders can express concerns and collaborate on new ways of working and doing business together while being mindful of the entire supply chain.
TACTICS AND TOOLS
- Panel discussions
- Round tables
- Success stories
- Debates
WHY IT MATTERS
Success for all stakeholders requires cooperation, communication, and mutual respect. GALA can be a forum for discussion and problem-solving.
Talent
Enrollment in traditional translation programs will decline, requiring a new approach to attracting and developing talent for the language services industry.GOAL
Attract new talent to the global language industry and bridge the gap between what new professionals learn in school and what is expected of them on the job.
STRATEGY
Collaborate with other industry organizations to promote careers in the global language industry. Inform educators about the demands of a multidisciplinary, rapidly changing industry. Provide new and growing professionals with continuous professional development on topics not often covered in school.
TACTICS AND TOOLS
- Academic memberships
- Gap analysis
- Career profiles
- Role-specific training
- Collaborative PR campaigns
WHY IT MATTERS
The global language industry must attract tech-savvy individuals with multidisciplinary training. GALA can support professional development through training and participate in initiatives to evangelize language services careers.
Industry Impact
Changing consumer expectations will solidify language as a critical component of accessibility and inclusion. Mainstream application of large language models and generative AI will create opportunities for the global language services and technology sector.GOAL
Raise awareness about the nature and value of the global language industry and how it helps businesses. Educate and inform professionals in other industries about the essential role of language services in global business.
STRATEGY
Develop content that explains our sector’s activities and value in terms that outsiders can understand. Evangelize to industries or verticals that are most in need of our industry’s services and forge connections with them.
TACTICS AND TOOLS
- Leverage the zeitgeist around mainstream application of LLM
- Identify allied or adjacent industries and demonstrate alignment of goals and services
- Develop content for non-industry personas
- Focus on business outcomes
- Tell success stories
WHY IT MATTERS
The timing is right for consumers and businesses to finally understand the importance of the global language industry. GALA can share the industry’s value proposition in a way that aligns with current trends.