The future is boundless, and exponential technologies are re-inventing every culture, industry, and society at an increasingly furious rate. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
Matthew GriffinFounder, President and Futurist, 311 Institute
G7 · G20governments advised
850+keynotes
102countries
17codexes
Future of society sessions forSlovakiaTechSamsungCalifornia Governor's OfficeThe Mentor ProjectBritish Property FederationRWE
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About this TV interview
Firstly I’d like to thank the team at RT for inviting me to take part in their nine part documentary The Future is Now which started airing last month around the world and which took the team over two and a half years to pull together in which time, ironically, the world has changed a lot.
This documentary is also the perfect example of what many of the readers of my blog already know, not only is the rate of global change accelerating, but the rate of acceleration is itself accelerating, and the future never stands still.
From the future of food, robotics, and space travel, to the future of homes, life extension, transportation and beyond we discussed it all, right through to 2070, and as the documentary clearly highlights no corner of global culture, industry, or society will be left untouched which makes it more important than ever that we’re prepared for it.
I hope you enjoy the show, and if it leaves you wanting to learn more then don’t forget my very own Bitesize Future which started airing last week.
The interview's central point is that change is speeding up, and so is the speed-up itself. Our data on the accelerating rate of change links faster technology adoption and shorter corporate lifespans to shrinking business planning cycles. A plan built for a slower decade is already exposed.
Robotics and bodies are both in play.
The documentary names robotics and life extension as separate threads. Factory robot numbers have reached five million, and humanoid robots are attracting record investment. Artificial body parts, such as bionic limbs and artificial organs, have had products since 2004 and are expected in wide use by 2050.
No sector sits outside the shift.
The source says no corner of culture, industry or society will be left untouched. Swarm robotics, where many simple robots work together like ants or bees, is a watch item with a first product expected in 2027. Leaders in sectors that look distant from robotics should still track it.
Three questions for your next leadership meeting
Which of our plans assume the pace of change stays the same?
Where could robotics reach our operations before 2030?
What would we do if life extension reshaped our customers?
The trends and technologies behind this session
From the 311 Starburst, the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit’s map of the technologies and trends shaping the next 50 years.
What does the RT documentary mean for organisations?
It is a prompt to plan for faster and wider change. With topics running from food to transport to 2070, organisations are better served by reviewing every part of the business than by watching one technology.
How does the accelerating rate of change relate to the session?
It is the theme the interview rests on. Our trend data points to faster technology adoption and shorter corporate lifespans, which squeeze the time leaders have to plan. The recommended action is to act now.
How does robotics relate to the session?
Robotics is one of the topics the documentary covers. Our data shows factory robot numbers at five million and record investment in humanoids. We rate it as a trend to prepare for, with wide use expected by 2030.
How can 311 brief our leadership team on this?
Through a private executive briefing or leadership workshop, tailored to your sector, in person first.
Bring this to your leadership teamA private executive briefing or leadership workshop, tailored to your sector. In person first, anywhere in the world.
Analysis by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit, from Matthew Griffin’s session and 311 data.
If Matthew gave this session today
Hundreds of emerging technologies, mapped for industry.
The codex explores hundreds of emerging technologies and their implications for global culture, industry and society, the long-range view that any 2080 infrastructure strategy depends on.
