The Future of Happiness - The Finland Formula with Futurist Amos Taylor

Welcome to The Finland Formula, in this episode we explore why this Nordic nation has been ranked the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years—and what the rest of the world can learn from it. We dive deep into Finland’s long-term investments in education, its world-class digital infrastructure, and robust social services that coexists with high global competitiveness. From trust in government to a balanced work-life culture, from equality to a profound connection with nature (and yes, even saunas!), we unpack how Finland built a resilient, future-ready society. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on the policies, culture, and values behind the Finnish model of well-being.

*I use AI in all my work.

************************************************************************

Kevin Benedict

Futurist at TCS

View my profile on LinkedIn

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the Linkedin Group Digital Intelligence

***Full Disclosure: These are my personal opinions. No company is silly enough to claim them. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

A Bigger View of the Future, with Futurist Roger Spitz

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that dives deep into the future. Today, we're tackling the big questions: from the perceived biases of AI in sustainability to the anxieties that keep business executives up at night. We'll explore the seismic shift in corporate engagement with politics, the exhilarating yet perplexing journey of AI growth, and the crucial balance between hyped and under-hyped AI capabilities. Join us as we navigate the complexities of future trends, challenge prevailing mental paradigms, and seek answers to the pervasive sense of pessimism that often overshadows our potential for a better future.

*I use AI in all my work.

************************************************************************

Kevin Benedict

Futurist at TCS

View my profile on LinkedIn

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the Linkedin Group Digital Intelligence

***Full Disclosure: These are my personal opinions. No company is silly enough to claim them. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Competitiveness and Strengthening Our Future

Click to Enlarge

The US faces a widening divide between two distinct economic realities. On one hand, highly educated individuals thrive with rapid wage growth, abundant career opportunities, and enhanced quality of life. On the other, less-educated and underemployed workers grapple with deindustrialization, technological displacement, community decline, and social marginalization. To foster a more inclusive and equitable society, we must address the root causes of these challenges and implement future-oriented strategies.

Understanding the Divide

1. Deindustrialization and Economic Decline:

   • Manufacturing jobs, once the foundation of American middle-class prosperity, have significantly declined. Between 2001 and 2007, 3.4 million manufacturing jobs were lost, followed by another 2.3 million during the Great Recession. Globalized trade and foreign competition, particularly with China, decimated industries like textiles, apparel, and furniture, leaving non-metropolitan areas economically vulnerable.

2. Technological Disruption:

   • Technological innovation, while driving significant productivity gains, has disproportionately replaced low-skilled jobs in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and clerical work. This has resulted in stagnant wages and widespread job displacement, exacerbating income inequality. Meanwhile, high-skilled workers benefit from increased demand and income growth, widening the economic gap.

The Recipe for an Unpleasant Future

Click to Enlarge

If humanity wanted to intentionally sabotage a bright future, the path to failure would be alarmingly straightforward. By neglecting lessons from history, disregarding the importance of collective action, and fostering division, we could ensure a trajectory defined by instability, inequity, and missed potential. This exercise in examining the ways we could derail progress is not meant to endorse such an approach but to provoke deeper thought about what we must avoid to create a thriving and sustainable world.

To dismantle any hope for a prosperous future, we might begin by allowing inequality to grow unchecked. Wealth gaps could widen as access to essential resources, education, and healthcare remains limited to a privileged few. Resentment would fester, eroding social cohesion and creating an environment of mistrust. When opportunities are reserved for a select group, the collective spirit that drives progress is replaced by division and despair. Economic disparities, if left unaddressed, would sow the seeds of societal fracture.

The next step to ensuring failure would involve undermining truth and knowledge. By allowing misinformation to spread freely, the foundation of informed decision-making would crumble. Without shared facts and a respect for science, addressing global challenges like climate change, public health crises, and technological ethics would become nearly impossible. Imagine a world where biases and conspiracy theories drive policies—a world where truth is devalued and progress is perpetually out of reach.

The Dark Side of Automation, AI and Robotics

Click to Enlarge

By nature I'm an optimistic person.  By profession I am a futurist that studies historic patterns and future trends.  By education I am an economist and political scientist. All of these background influences come together when I am pondering the future, and lately I have been contemplating automation and job displacements.

I remember studying the concept of social contract in college.  It's a theory that describes an agreement among individuals in a society to create and abide by a set of rules, norms, and governance structures to ensure mutual benefit, security, and order.  The idea is we agree to give up some rights and independence in order to gain certain benefits that will help us have a greater quality of life, and hopefully an improved standard of living.  Think of being taxed, so we can have roads, bridges, public education, police and firefighters.

What happens though when the "mutual benefits" agreed to, fall out of balance, and the benefits are weighted in favor of one group over another?  The short answer is - bad things.  

A Few of My Favorite Attempts at Humor in 2024

Some of my favorite attempts at humor this year!  Follow me on Instagram at Futurist_Humor.

*I use generative AI in all my work.

************************************************************************

Kevin Benedict

Futurist at TCS

View my profile on LinkedIn

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the Linkedin Group Digital Intelligence

***Full Disclosure: These are my personal opinions. No company is silly enough to claim them. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Reaching 3 Million, Favorite Articles & Thank You!

Click to Enlarge

First of all THANK YOU for helping me reach 3 million page views on this blog today.  CRAZY!  I am grateful for all of your time and attention over the many years we have been together!  I have learned so much from the effort of researching and writing these articles, and I hope you have benefited from reading some of them as well!

In addition to the articles, over the years I have added hundreds of video interviews with people far smarter than me, and more recently attempts at humor, one of the last things artificial intelligence still struggles with, and some would argue I do as well!  If humor about the past and future is your thing, you can follow me on Instagram at futurist_humor.

Here are a few of my favorite articles I have written over the past few years.

The Future of Speed, Time and Consequences

This article explores the profound impact of speed on our world, arguing that its ability to stretch time and compress distance has far-reaching consequences for individuals, institutions, and societies. From motivating advancements in AI and robotics to reshaping how we communicate, govern, and even wage war, speed is a catalyst of change that is fundamentally altering the human experience.  As we hurtle towards a future defined by ever-increasing speed, this article offers a thought-provoking examination of its implications and challenges readers to consider how they will adapt to this rapidly evolving landscape.

How our Minds Resist the Future

Humans are creatures of habit, often resistant to change, even when it promises benefits. This article delves into the psychological reasons behind this resistance, exploring concepts like loss aversion, status quo bias, fear of the unknown and much more. By understanding the psychology behind our resistance and employing the techniques identified, we can navigate change more effectively and embrace the future with confidence.

Starting at the Finish Line

The speed of change is accelerating due to several factors. Digital automation, like robots on an assembly line, allows for rapid scaling and agility. Once knowledge is digitized, it can be instantly duplicated and distributed globally, eliminating the need to start from scratch. The law of entropy highlights the difficulty of maintaining order in human systems, while digital systems can follow algorithms without constant effort. Unlike humans, AI and automated systems can start with pre-loaded knowledge, accelerating progress. Human brains are limited by factors like age, health, and emotions, while digital systems can operate at an optimized level 24/7. This shift towards digitized knowledge allows for continuous learning and progress, independent of human limitations.

The Power of Knowing

In today's data-driven world, leaders can overcome the "fog of war" that plagued their historical counterparts. By combining experience data gathered from customer and employee interactions – with operational data derived from sensors, ERPs, and other systems – businesses can gain unprecedented visibility into their operations. This comprehensive, real-time understanding empowers leaders to make informed decisions, optimize processes, and address challenges proactively.  Don't let your business succumb to the perils of outdated, estimate-based models. Navigate your business with clarity and precision.

The Future, Progress and Moral Frameworks

The 20th century, despite technological advancements, was the bloodiest in history, highlighting the destructive potential of humanity when moral frameworks fail. This article explores the historical interplay of technology, ideology, and morality, emphasizing the urgent need for a robust, adaptable ethical framework to guide us toward a more peaceful future. By understanding the lessons of the past, including the dangers of propaganda and the erosion of moral restraints, we can build a global community that prioritizes peace, security, and mutual respect.

The Future of Our Human Experience

This article paints a stark picture of the challenges facing our brains in an increasingly digital world.  It questions whether our minds, shaped by millennia of slow evolution, can adapt to the rapid pace of technological change and the rise of AI.  I raise important concerns about the impact of digital stimuli on our mental health and the shrinking space for human agency in a future dominated by automation.  Ultimately, this piece compels us to confront a fundamental question: are we shaping our future, or is the future shaping us?

Building a Better Future

This article explores the pivotal role of government policies, laws, and regulations in driving improvements in the human standard of living. Examining historical periods like the Progressive Era and the New Deal, it argues that societal shifts and government action are crucial for addressing large-scale challenges and shaping a better future. By recognizing our collective potential and working together, we can overcome the obstacles that lie ahead and create a more prosperous and equitable world.

The Inevitable Minimization of Human Decision-Making

This article explores the rapid rise of autonomous machines in warfare, from delivery robots in combat zones to unmanned submarines patrolling the oceans.  It highlights how the increasing complexity and speed of these technologies are pushing humans out of the decision-making loop, with potentially far-reaching consequences.  As we become more reliant on AI and automated systems, wonder about the vulnerabilities we create and the urgent need for ethical considerations in the development and deployment of such powerful tools.

Catalysts that Shaped Human History

Throughout history, disruptive events like pandemics, wars, and technological revolutions have catalyzed shifts in societal mindsets, forcing us to re-evaluate our values and priorities. This article explores how such events, from the Enlightenment to the digital age, have shaped our understanding of knowledge, social structures, and human interaction. By examining these historical turning points, we can gain valuable insights into our own capacity for resilience, adaptation, and collective progress in the face of contemporary challenges.

How Beliefs Influence the Future

This article explores a period in history where we experienced unprecedented improvements in our standard of living.  It argues that technological advancements alone were not enough to drive this progress; rather, it was a shift in societal beliefs and a willingness to enact policies that prioritized human well-being. By examining historical patterns and the impact of belief systems on societal change, the article challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs and how they may be hindering positive growth.

Innovation for the Purpose of Human Flourishing 

This article issues a powerful wake-up call, urging us to look beyond the allure of profits and confront the unintended consequences of our relentless pursuit of technological advancement. From the divisive impact of social media to the rise of autonomous killing machines and the displacement of human workers, the author highlights the urgent need for a shared purpose and a clear vision for a future where technology serves human flourishing.  It's a call to action to reclaim our agency and steer towards a tomorrow where purpose, not just profit, guides our path.

Visit our YouTube channel here.

*I use generative AI in all my work.

************************************************************************

Kevin Benedict

Futurist at TCS

View my profile on LinkedIn

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the Linkedin Group Digital Intelligence

***Full Disclosure: These are my personal opinions. No company is silly enough to claim them. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

The Great Collision: From Frontier Myths to Digital Dependence

Contemporary populist sentiment in North America is not a simple thread but a Gordian Knot, a complex entanglement of historical threads of anti-elitism, moralism, economic anxiety, and powerful national myths. These currents, born from religious revivals, frontier experiences, and Enlightenment ideals, are now colliding head-on with the reality of our technological dependence. This “Great Collision” exposes a profound tension between the cherished myth of the independent, self-reliant frontiersman – often carrying a gun – and the inescapable technological dependence and interconnectedness of our digital lives, which profoundly shapes our political discourse, social interactions, and the foundation of our communities today.

The seeds of anti-elitism were sown early on during the period of British rule over the American colonies (1607-1776). Colonial grievances stemming from mercantilist policies and a perceived lack of representation fostered resentment towards distant and unaccountable authority. This distrust intensified during the American Revolution (1775-1783), where the rhetoric of liberty, equality, and self-determination fueled a powerful anti-authoritarian sentiment that became a central tenet of American populism. 

Forces Driving the Future of Networks

As we examine the common threads emerging from our analysis of future networks and their role in advancing human civilization, a deeper understanding of the underlying forces and human needs becomes apparent. These networks are more than technological innovations; they are manifestations of a profound human quest to address the most fundamental challenges and aspirations of society. 

The Drive for Autonomy and Empowerment

At the core of many emerging networks is a strong emphasis on decentralization and the redistribution of power. The rise of renewable energy microgrids, decentralized finance (DeFi), and data sovereignty networks reflects a fundamental human desire for autonomy and self-determination. These networks represent a shift away from centralized control by governments, corporations, and institutions, and toward systems that empower individuals and communities to take control of their own resources and data.

The Historic and Future Impacts of Networks

Throughout history, networks have been central to the development of human society. In the early stages of civilization, networks were built on relationships—personal connections between individuals, families, and communities. These relationship-based networks were the foundations of early trade, governance, and culture. Over time, these networks expanded, growing more complex as societies developed new ways to connect across distances. The advent of technology-based networks—spurred by advancements in communication, transportation, and data systems—transformed the way humans interact on a global scale. Today, social media networks are a dominant force in shaping how we connect, communicate, and share information. Understanding this evolution offers insights into the forces driving human progress and the potential for future transformation.

Navigating the AI Revolution with Gartner Analyst, Deepak Seth

In this interview, we sit down with Gartner’s Deepak Seth to explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its far-reaching impacts across various industries and business processes. With decades of experience and a commitment to lifelong learning, Seth shares insights from his distinguished career studying, writing about, and implementing technologies. We delve into the strategic implications of Generative AI, discussing its potential to revolutionize business operations and entrepreneurship. Our conversation covers various topics, including the evolution of technology, the importance of continuous education, and the emerging trends poised to reshape our future.

Subscribe to more interviews and articles on the future here. 

*I use generative AI to assist in all my work.

************************************************************************

Kevin Benedict

Futurist at TCS

View my profile on LinkedIn

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the Linkedin Group Digital Intelligence

***Full Disclosure: These are my personal opinions. No company is silly enough to claim them. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Not So Obvious Strategies for 2024

Click to Enlarge

Futurist Frank Diana, speaks often about the importance of recognizing the converging forces that will ultimately deliver our future.  These converging forces come from a variety of different domains such as science, technology, societal, geopolitical, economic, environmental and philosophy.  It is these evolving, emerging and transforming forces from all of these different domains, mixed together, that generate our future.

When anticipating and planning for the future, it is important to understand that we are not without agency.  There are many things that we can know, do, implement and change that will enable us to navigate through these forces and be more prepared.  We can recognize patterns, signals, convergences and catalysts that will shape our world and prepare for it.  The following concepts, not often considered, can also be valuable in preparing us for the future.

The Hidden Currency of Change: Transformational Energy

Throughout history, both organizations and societies have grappled with the consequences of rapid change. Consider the Gutenberg printing press.  Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century created all kinds of rapid, unforeseen and unintended consequences. It democratized information, enabled the rapid dissemination of it, and disrupted all kinds of established power structures and belief systems. 

Prior to the printing press, knowledge dissemination was slow, controlled and often only available to an elite few. The printing press significantly lowered barriers to entry, empowering individuals, and smaller organizations to challenge established players and dogma. For example, the printing press weakened the Church's monopoly on knowledge and fueled the Protestant Reformation, which led to social unrest, wars and calls for change, as seen in the religious turmoil following Gutenberg's invention.

Fast forward centuries, and we see another example with the Industrial Revolution. While it sparked incredible innovation and economic growth, the rapid pace of change left many behind. The rise of factories led to harsh working conditions, displacing traditional artisans, and fueling social movements like Luddism, where workers protested the perceived threat of technology to their livelihoods. These historical examples illustrate the importance of managing change effectively. When change happens too quickly, it can lead to societal discord and organizational exhaustion. In today's world of constant change and innovation, understanding and managing our collective "transformational energy" is more crucial than ever.

The Future, Progress and Moral Frameworks

Those who believe in the inevitable progress of man, forget that the twentieth century was the bloodiest, most destructive century in human history. The century's two world wars alone resulted in the deaths of at least 60 million people.

The 20th century was marked by an explosive convergence of ideological, technological, economic, geopolitical and sociopolitical forces, creating a highly volatile environment that led to unprecedented violence and devastation, while at the same time delivering the highest standard of living in history. This era demonstrated how technological advancements, in the absence of corresponding developments in legal and moral frameworks, can lead to massive human suffering.

While technology significantly enhanced the destructiveness of warfare during the 20th century, the deeper causes of this violence lay in the prevailing belief systems and moral frameworks. These frameworks, which include religious, philosophical, and cultural codes, are vital as they shape societal norms about what is deemed justifiable or unacceptable behavior, especially concerning the use of violence.

Building a Better Future

Many years ago, I graduated with a degree in political science from Portland State University.  Through a long and winding journey working in high tech for companies in Silicon Valley, Seattle, Atlanta, Dublin and Boston, I ultimately moved into the role of being a full time futurist.  One of the unexpected things I discovered along the way was how much a futurist studies history.  

History has taught me that government policies, laws and regulations often play an important role in creating better conditions for humans to thrive.  We see it revealed throughout history, and I expect we will see it in the future as well.  

For most of human history, our standard of living and quality of life was terrible. Century after century it didn't improve.  Fifty percent of children died before age five, and the average person was not likely to live beyond 30 years of age.  This pattern continued for thousands of years.

Future Catalysts that Just Might Change Us

A catalyst, in futurist-speak, is a time or event that is so influential that it causes a society to rethink - how they think.  A review of history reveals that our thinking has been shaped by numerous catalysts over time. These major disruptions to our status quo-thinking forced us to reevaluate our beliefs and behaviors, and to ponder new paradigms of thought and action. As we look to the future, several potential catalysts loom on the horizon, each with the power to fundamentally reshape our future and challenge our collective mindset.

Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation

AI and automation technologies promises to redefine the nature of work, creativity, and human interaction. As these technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, we face questions about the value of human labor, the ethics of AI decision-making, and the distribution of wealth in a post-work society. The rise of AI could lead to a significant shift in societal values, prioritizing continuous learning, adaptability, and a reevaluation of what it means to think, work and to lead a fulfilling life.

Catalysts that Shaped Human History

Historically, significant shifts in societal mindsets have often been precipitated by disruptive events that create a collective sense of urgency or crisis. These catalysts—whether wars, revolutions, pandemics, or technological breakthroughs—disrupt the status quo to such an extent that the cost of maintaining existing beliefs and systems becomes untenable. The key to these events' transformative power lies in their ability to induce widespread reflection and reassessment of prevailing values, priorities, and lifestyles. 

Let's now take a moment to explore some of the more impactful events in history that served as catalysts for societal change and collective rethinking.

From Authority to Inquiry: The Enlightenment and Beyond

The invention of the printing press ignited the Enlightenment, marking a shift from the acceptance of authority, to it's being replaced by inquiry and individual reasoning. This democratization of knowledge fostered an environment where questioning and scientific investigation flourished, paving the way for the scientific, industrial, and democratic revolutions that followed. This invention, fundamentally altered humanity's self-conception, positioning reason and empirical evidence as the primary sources of knowledge.

How Beliefs Influence the Future

As a futurist, I spend a lot of time studying history.  Why?  As Aerosmith frontman, Steven Tyler sings, "We are all somebody from somewhere."  And that somewhere is often revealing.  We can see patterns in history.  Patterns that just might extend from the past to the future.  

One of the surprises of history is what historians refer to as the, "Special Century."  From 1870-1970 massive improvements in the standard of living were achieved across many regions of the world all at the same time.  These levels of improvements had never been seen before. During this period, we went from riding horses to landing on the moon!

A look at the history of technology and we see that during one 5 year period during the Special Century, 1875-1880, telephones, internal combustion engines, electric light bulbs and phonographs were all created.  During another 5 year span, 1900-1905, we invented the radio, air conditioning, vacuums and airplane flight!  Huge inventions that are still in our lives today.

Reading the News Like a Futurist with Alex Whittington

In this episode, my guest is futurist Alex Whittington!  She shares her behind the scenes life as a futurist, and it's impact and influence on how she reads the news, thinks about the world and contemplates the future.   We discuss utopian smart cities, Cobots, podcast recommendations and much more!

*I use generative AI to assist in all my work.

************************************************************************

Kevin Benedict

Futurist at TCS

View my profile on LinkedIn

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the Linkedin Group Digital Intelligence

***Full Disclosure: These are my personal opinions. No company is silly enough to claim them. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.

Using Physics to Understand the Future

"While there can be surprise technological and market disruptions, classical Newtonian mechanical physics’ suggestions that trajectories are the flight paths determined by mass positioning, direction, and momentum as a function of time can help us make accurate predictions." ~ Jeffrey A. Sonnenfeld & Steven Tian

As a writer, I appreciate gifts of inspiration.  Reading the above quote set my mind off this morning.  It is so true! As a futurist we are always studying trends, innovations and developments, and then searching for signals that will inform us about the "trajectories," each of them will follow.  Using Newtonian mechanical physics as helpful metaphors to understand directions and how much inertia a trend has, how fast it is changing, and how much resistance it might face are all useful considerations.

I have had the pleasure over the last year to meet with the leadership teams of many large companies around the world to talk about the future.  Bringing a list of over 350 fast evolving trends across the domains of science, technology, societal, geopolitical and economic is a good place to start, but these discussions almost always turn quickly toward Newtonian mechanical physics.  How much?  How fast?  When? What direction?  How much inertia?  What kind of resistance?  These are the right questions!

As I covered in an article earlier this week, we can create different buckets of trends, innovations and developments.  Some, are incremental innovations, while others are "launchpad" developments that will support entire new ways of thinking and will change the direction of our future.

It's not enough to pocket a list of quickly evolving trends, developments and technologies.  One must understand the physics involved, the dependencies for a development to move forward, understand which rung on the historic ladder of progress a development is sitting, and also understand it's potential for scaling.  These, of course, are just the beginning, but they are a good place to start. 

*I use generative AI to assist in all my work.

************************************************************************

Kevin Benedict

Futurist at TCS

View my profile on LinkedIn

Follow me on Twitter @krbenedict

Join the Linkedin Group Digital Intelligence

***Full Disclosure: These are my personal opinions. No company is silly enough to claim them. I work with and have worked with many of the companies mentioned in my articles.