Mix and match: ICT and future scenarios

Posted on April 27, 2009

Sometimes the best things happen by accident. In yesterday’s post I explored Forum for the Future’s Acting now for a positive 2018, preparing for radical change (report pdf). They present four scenarios of what the world might look like in ten years’ time with ICT getting a special consideration in each scenario. I meant to include a summary of the implications of each scenario but when I went to make a single graphic of ICT implications and realised I’d forgotten to save them with sensible names. Putting them back together proved quite engaging.

So, a little task for you, which of these ICT implications (coloured boxes below) line up with each of the 2018 scenarios?

Global Interest – An effective globalised response to global challenges prompts increased resource productivity and low-carbon growth. Companies have to play a greater role in supporting public services and infrastructure but reap the benefits of a broadly free, stable and prosperous world.

National Interest – Nations hoard their own resources and tighten their borders in a retreat to nationalism and protectionism. Global businesses all but disappear and companies are expected to support the national interest.

Patched-up Globalisation – Emerging markets rise as China stalls. Low-carbon technologies thrive, particularly biofuels. Successful companies are multinationals with a local feel, helping to deliver local development needs.

Me and Mine, Online – A highly networked world undermines individual countries and companies. Successful companies are now more like branded hubs, coordinating often temporary and short-lived supplier relationships to deliver customised products.