So said our keynote speaker, Thomas Frey, founder of the DaVinci Institute, at our annual World Futures Day celebration March 1 at the KI Convention Center. More than 300 guests were mesmerized by signals of what the future holds and the evidence of developing trends, from an explanation of how the "Jetsons" managed to get it so right back in the '60s to 3-D-printed homes, robotic dogs, digital twins and autonomous shopping malls. It was a great opportunity to hear from the experts, weigh in with personal observations, network with other local leaders, and learn about the role of strategic foresight in shaping a preferred future. Click here to read the full story and enjoy the photos.

"What we have before us are some breathtaking opportunities disguised as insoluble problems,” said John W. Gardner, former United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. This quotation aligns perfectly with my experiences in health care over these past three-plus years after completing the strategic foresight training program. Now that Bellin Health has trained a few leaders and committed to scanning the horizon faithfully, I offer this advice to the community: Do not hesitate to get signed up for the next Strategic Foresight Training Session. Read more here.

Could the Indian and Chinese economies outpace the economies of the United States and Western Europe? Economic analysts say yes. Currently China’s and India's productivity growth lags behind that of the United States, so how is this possible? Read more here.

It started in the paper industry, a mainstay of the northeast Wisconsin economy. In 1996, the Scott paper company in Oconto Falls closed. That was followed by closings and mass layoffs at many area paper companies. The number of affected workers was soon in the thousands. Then the layoffs hit the manufacturing sector as well. I remember well... Read Jim's full story here.

Envision’s Economic Transformation Signals Team has been looking for signals related to the future of our local economy. An intriguing signal recently surfaced in the area of workforce diversity and skill sets needed in the future: a new book by the famous animal-handling expert Temple Grandin. It makes the case for widening the neurodiversity of all work teams by recognizing the value of visual thinkers. Learn more about it here.

Younger generations are challenging companies to put their diversity and inclusion policies into action. According to a 2021 study by Deloitte, “it’s not enough to just market inclusiveness or diversity, as our results also show 57% of consumers are more loyal to brands that commit to addressing social inequities in their actions.”All around the world, businesses are embracing this strategy. Read more.

Imagining a Better Future for American Democracy – This report by Democracy Funders Network identifies governance innovations in other countries that use technology, and engage youth, game designers and speculative fiction writers. It incorporates a futures orientation, a longer planning horizon, and intergenerational fairness.

IFTF Equitable Futures Toolkit – Bryan Froud of the Institute for the Future offers an easy, fun conversation tool to spark imaginations or initiate discussion among those unused to talking about equity as a group.

Prediction for Journalism, 2023 – Prominent journalists comment on the future of journalism, courtesy of Nieman Lab.