
IN SPOTLIGHT
The Shift in Technological Platforms and Business Ecosystems Over Time
Every 50 years or so, according to Kondratieff wave theory, capitalist economies reorganise themselves around a new technological foundation, sparking the rise of new business ecosystems. Where are we now in that cycle—and what might the next foundation look like?
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Is Human-Machine Collaboration the Next Step in Strategic Foresight?
Although it is no news anymore that AI is better than us humans at spotting patterns across large data sets, machine intelligence is still not advanced enough to understand correlation and causality, which are among humans’ strong suits. Joining these two forces can help organisations streamline foresight processes and save time.
The Internet of Senses: The Future of Digital Experience is Multi-Sensory
Digital technology today mainly uses two senses - sight and sound. But it may not be long before we can feel, taste and smell digital objects in a way that is indistinguishable from physical experiences.
3 Trends Driving the Future of Cities and Urban Living
With over one million people moving to cities every week globally, the world is currently undergoing the biggest wave of urbanisation in human history . As urban populations increase, future cities will also face an array of new challenges.
What would a US-China Tech Decoupling Mean for the Global Economy?
The accelerating competition over dominance between China and the US is starting to impact the technology industry. If the intensifying race for technology dominance between the world's two superpowers leads to a tech decoupling, it would have far-reaching implications for the future of global trade, tech companies and market regulations.
How ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ is Disrupting Finance
A new wave of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, which allow consumers to buy an item and pay later in interest-free instalments, have lately been shaking up the traditional credit card business. As a low-commitment, user-friendly and budget-focused alternative to credit cards, BNPLs are particularly favoured by tech-savvy Millennials and Generation Z, who are wary of credit cards.
How to Bring Foresight into Action with Foresight Deliverables
How can the results of foresight work be communicated to management and stakeholders in an impactful way? What forms can foresight deliverables take, and how often should they be delivered? In the first Futures Clinic session of the year, Futures Platform’s Foresight Strategist Ira Stening and a team of senior advisors from the Norwegian Tax Administration discuss how to bring foresight into action through foresight deliverables.
The Rise of Virtual Status Symbols: Blockchain, Digital Art and NFTs
As we spend more and more time in the virtual realm, the notions of luxury and status symbols begin to manifest themselves in novel ways.
Building Foresight in the Finnish Tax Administration: Case Study
From ageing populations and circular economy to the emergence of new payment methods, tax offices worldwide face multiple disruptive changes re-shaping their future operational environments. The Finnish Tax Administration has successfully integrated continuous foresight practice into its processes to better serve its clients.
Autonomous Delivery Robots Transform Last-Mile Logistics
Rapid advancements in automation and ever-increasing demand in e-commerce may soon pave the way for the wide adoption of robot and drone technologies in the last-mile delivery of products. Robot couriers have the potential to solve multiple issues associated with inefficiencies in logistics such as high labour costs, energy efficiency, and traffic congestion.
How to Build Scenarios Efficiently with a Scenario Planning Process
When there are no historical analogies to look back to, scenario planning can help us better understand and plan for a multitude of possible futures. In addition to enhancing efficiency, an established scenario planning process will empower organisations to proactively shape the future through strategic decision-making.
Meet Generation Alpha: Future Consumers Reshaping Markets
Born between 2010-2024, Generation Alpha will be the longest-living, most educated, and possibly the wealthiest generation. Growing up alongside technology since birth, their life experiences and preferences will differ significantly from earlier generations.
Future of Truth in the Information Age
With the proliferation of fake news, algorithmic social media bubbles and the growing capabilities of technology to manipulate human senses, our relationship with reality is evolving. As new technologies offer increasing possibilities to curate and modify how we experience both our digital and physical surroundings, our perception of what is to be considered real may be radically reframed in the future.