5 Futurists Who Comment On The Trends Of Tomorrow

People With Their Eyes On The Future

What Is A Futurist?

While historians work to piece together the past, futurists look at clues and information from the present in order to try and determine what will happen going forward. Since there are many unknown variables involved, they often identify a range of possible futures based on likely upcoming changes in technology, society, and the environment. There are different types of futurists who have different methods, motives, and objectives. Some work in academia, while others are hired by companies to identify future trends and help them keep up with changes that are likely to be coming soon.

The Future Of Agriculture

Emerging Technologies In The Modern World

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Serverless computing
• Biometrics
• Robotics
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• 3D printing
• Inflatable space habitats
• Blockchain
• Drones

Frank Diana On Developments In Digital Technology

In Depth

Technology has made a profound impact on human existence and is advancing at a rate unprecedented in recorded history. The growing number of future trends and advances in science can be overwhelming to the layperson and having an expert viewpoint can help. Whether it's for the latest news about artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, or paradigm shifts in business and manufacturing, consider these five futurists listed here in no particular order.

First up at #1, we have Nikolas Badminton, a futurist, researcher, and speaker who helps organizations shift their mindset from the present to the future. He earned his BS in Applied Psychology and Computing at Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom, which allowed him to experiment with cognitive psychology, human-computer interface design, chaos theory, and artificial intelligence. In 2016, he partnered with Intensions Consulting on the widely reported and duplicated study, The Future of Work, which found that a quarter of Canadian adults believed a computer program would be more trustworthy and ethical than their superiors.

Badminton consults with clients to develop foresight with the aim of leading to increased revenues, reduced risk, and global impact. He has spoken at over three hundred keynote events about subjects like the rise and impact of artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, the internet of things, and gene editing. In addition, Badminton provides tailored research and post-keynote reports that provide deeper insight to each of his clients, allowing them to capitalize on coming future trends.

Badminton consults with clients to develop foresight with the aim of leading to increased revenues, reduced risk, and global impact.

Next for #2, we have Christopher Barnatt, a speaker, academic, and author with numerous books and media contributions to his credit. His channel, ExplainingTheFuture, has garnered a YouTube presence with his exploration into future trends. Barnatt lectured in computing and future studies at the Nottingham University Business School for twenty-five years, and now consults for a wide range of organizations in sectors that include food production, financial services, and healthcare.

Barnatt explores the challenges of the future through his books, and his various publications examine topics such as artificial intelligence, the coming technological singularity, and the impact of 3D printing. He also shares his speculative visions of emergent technologies, like nanobots and asteroid mining, on his website for the public to browse. Barnatt makes himself available as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and media contributor to organizations looking to learn more about future challenges, trends, and technologies.

Coming in at #3, is Zenka, a self-described futurist plumber, who seeks to accelerate a global renaissance by searching for the collaborative infrastructure needed to make it a reality. Having graduated with honors from Northwestern University, Zenka transitioned from working in feature films to designing interactive software. She then co-founded TripleSmart, a software development company, and moved on to creating augmented reality experiences.

Having graduated with honors from Northwestern University, Zenka transitioned from working in feature films to designing interactive software.

Zenka prototypes self-organizing systems designed to engineer the future using small efforts that add up. Two such systems that she has created include The Wisdom Age Metaverse, a visual search engine, and Triple Smart Labs, a decentralized hardware share lab and citizen-driven science platform. Zenka also offers keynotes on exponential technology and the future of virtual and augmented reality. She offers her services as a speaker through her website and allows curious minds to join her mailing list for updates on her work and thoughts about technology.

Arriving at #4, we have Byron Reese, an author, speaker, and CEO of the technology research company, Gigaom. Reese is an optimistic futurist who rejects fearful narratives about technology and believes it can bring about a peaceful and prosperous world for all. His success in business has led to opportunities for him to speak about technology, and then to become an author. His book, The Fourth Age, tells the story of technology, focusing on times in the past when change was so profound that it permanently altered bodies and minds.

Reese hosts The Voices in AI podcast, aimed at listeners interested in the metaphysical and practical implications of artificial intelligence. Each episode is presented as a conversation about artificial intelligence with leading thinkers in the field. Reese also advocates for future technology through public speaking engagements. His Talks on Tomorrow series is designed to dispel fearful myths and describe a world where people use new technology to increase their productivity.

His Talks on Tomorrow series is designed to dispel fearful myths and describe a world where people use new technology to increase their productivity.

Finally for #5, is Frank Diana, an executive and keynote speaker who has over 30 years of corporate leadership experience. At Tata Consultancy Services, he is a thought leader in the context of business, social, and economic evolution. He blends a futurist perspective with a pragmatic approach, using research and storytelling to consider possible futures. His perspective connects practical realities with the need to focus on an emerging future filled with complexity and change.

Diana believes that we are entering a transformative period, one that could someday be viewed as the most significant in human history. Although we cannot accurately predict the future in a world where change is constant, Diana provides regular updates on his thoughts about technology and business in an effort to keep up. His video content can be found on his YouTube channel, Reimagining the Future, which explores his point of view in greater depth.