Future Today Institute

Forget controllers! This gel is playing Atari using pure "brain" power🕹️ Scientists at the University of Reading have developed a polymer hydrogel that can play the classic video game Pong. When connected to the game via electrodes, the gel demonstrated an increasing ability to control the paddle and thus achieved longer rallies – suggesting the hydrogel has a form of memory, despite being far from an artificial brain. Such research into adaptive behavior opens up exciting possibilities for creating "smart" materials that can remember and evolve 🧠 Learn more about this development in the article below. #Science #Tech #SmartMaterials

Is the winner of the #AI race already decided? 🤔 In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, FTI Founder & CEO Amy Webb says the competition is far from over. Read more about what Amy sees as the threats and opportunities for European countries, including France and Germany, in the article below👇

⏳ Last call for nominations! If you or someone you know has been pushing the boundaries of innovation in the last 12-24 months, don't miss your chance to be featured in our 18th Annual Tech Trends Report. The deadline to submit your "Ones to Watch" nominations is this Friday, August 30. https://buff.ly/4fGcTu9

Our own Sam Jordan took the stage at WorldatWork’s Sales Comp’24 conference in San Francisco last week to explore the cutting-edge impact of #AI on sales compensation and the #futureofwork 🌐 Sam shared insights on how AI-driven clones, #deepfakes and virtual agents will redefine sales, customer interactions and compensation structures. Ultimately, in order to prepare for what's next, leaders and their employees will need to learn how to effectively manage and collaborate with these new technologies. The key to resilience in any organization is taking the right steps today in anticipation of tomorrow 🔑

Foresight FAQ: What's the difference between a #trend and something that is trendy? Trendy things – anything from open-concept offices to Silly Bandz – pop up, grab our attention and disappear just as fast. They’re fads, quick fixes that seem big but don’t stick around long enough to matter. Trends, on the other hand, are built to last. They take time to develop, emerging from bigger forces shaping our world. And while they may not always grow in a straight line, they keep pushing forward. Real trends don’t just make waves – they help you make smarter business decisions that last ✨ #FutureReady #StrategicForesight

🚀 Are you or is someone you know doing cool things? We want to hear about it! The FTI team is hard at work compiling our 18th Annual Tech Trends Report, due next spring. The report will dive deep into more than a dozen industries and technologies, with each volume featuring a "Ones to Watch" list. If you’ve driven innovation through technology in the last 12-24 months, or know someone who has, submit your nomination by August 30. https://buff.ly/3SIWviQ

Signal Spotlight 🔎: Turns out, there’s more to a name than meets the eye – literally! 👀 New research from Reichman University shows that our faces can gradually evolve to match our names, thanks to the power of social expectations. This discovery is a crucial reminder of how much our identities are shaped by the world around us. For those of us in #strategicforesight, it’s a cue to consider how these subtle influences might play a role in shaping future #trends and behaviors.

Five years ago, I wrote a policy paper for President Biden's Transition Team, advocating for a White House Office of Strategic Foresight. Today, I'm reposting it as it's evident that America's success hinges on long-term planning. The absence of strategic foresight has led to the pressing challenges we face now. I encourage you to read and share this important paper with your network. Federal Foresight Community of Interest US Government Accountability Office #FederalForesight #StrategicPlanning #ProfessionalFuturists #LongTermStrategy #PolicyMaking #FutureOutlook

Let's talk about cities of the future! ✨ 🏙️ As #urbanization picks up speed, cities need to be smarter, more efficient and more sustainable. In an interview with Authority Magazine (Dina Costandina Aletra), FTI's Mark Bryan dives into the future of urban communities, exploring everything from additive manufacturing to digital twins. Mark, the head of our #builtenvironment practice, combines his decades of experience as an interior designer with asking the right questions. His curiosity and knack for storytelling are key to his success as a #foresight strategist. Want to know more about Mark's work and his vision for our cities? Check out his insights on making urban living better for everyone 🌿

We had an awesome night developing #uncertainties with our talented class of summer associates! 🙌 These current and recent MBA students from NYU Stern School of Business joined FTI Director of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement Marc Palatucci, who challenged the group to think expansively and ask the ever-important question... "What if?" Understanding and preparing for future uncertainties is crucial in today's rapidly changing world. By bringing together bright minds from diverse industries, we can better anticipate and navigate the unknowns. Our best sessions are a blend of rigorous strategic thinking and fun, out-of-the-box creativity. Together, we're not just imagining the future - we're building it 🌟🚀 #StrategicForesight