Question: What will the role of futurists be in the age of AI?
By Jaqueline Weigel, Delma Moraes, Vitor Raposo, Alexandre Contar Fernandes, and Elzi Campos
The growing presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in contemporary society's activities elicits both fascination and fear. This technological evolution has the potential to radically transform various aspects and sectors of society, influencing everything from local community interactions to global engagements.
Therefore, in the face of such uncertainties, the following questions arise: What are the perspectives of professional futurists with AI integrated into their activities? Does AI genuinely pose a threat to futures studies professionals? What will be the role of the futurist in the era of AI evolution? Are futures studies professionals prepared to adapt to new challenges in their respective fields?
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: AN UNNEGOTIABLE EVOLUTION
A crucial perspective is the economy of time. Traditionally, the systemic change signal detection and prospecting performed analogically require hours of work and dedication, while AI offers a rapid compilation of reliable and organized data in minutes.
Concurrently, fear regarding AI often stems from the idea that it may gain dangerous autonomy, leading humanity to dystopian scenarios. However, technological advancements are integral to social and natural evolution. There is definitively no one in absolute control of AI evolution — one of the main exponential technologies of the 21st century. Despite its autonomous capabilities, AI depends on human-generated data. Therefore, a human knowledge base is necessary even for complex systems that can self-program and enhance their skills, through synthetic data.
Certainly, AI represents a powerful tool for transforming contemporary society, presenting unprecedented exponential opportunities. Responsible, transparent, and ethical integration of AI can serve as an ally for balanced economic development, valuing regional potential and each individual's unique capabilities.
Far from overshadowing Futurists, AI provides an opportunity to enhance the identification of signals and trends, offering: greater agility and capacity to process large-scale data; execution of models and research in social, technological, economic, environmental, and political dimensions over time; support in simulating alternative futures that provide greater reliability for structuring assertive actions in the present; insight into the consequences of actions suggested in future studies; and the development of complex scenarios based on a robust data foundation.
These possibilities are so feasible that AI tools are currently being used by futurists in a number of ways, including:
Data Analysis: AI is utilized to collect, analyze, and process large datasets, helping futurists identify trends and patterns that would be challenging to detect manually. These analyses present forecasts about the future of technology, society, economy, and other fields.
Scenario Generation: AI aids in constructing hypothetical future scenarios, allowing futurists to explore different possibilities and prepare for future events. This can be achieved through techniques such as statistical modeling, machine learning, and simulation.
Trend Research: AI assists in monitoring social media, online forums, and other data sources to identify new trends that may impact the future. This helps futurists stay updated on the latest developments, mitigating risks and maximizing new opportunities.
Data Visualization: AI tools enable data presentation in ways that allow futurists to communicate their findings effectively to others through charts, tables, and interactive maps.
Public Engagement: AI, through chatbots, virtual assistants, and other tools, can promote public engagement and gather feedback on ideas and projects, ensuring futurists' work remains relevant and useful to society.
Personalized Futures: As AI tools become more sophisticated, they can be used to create personalized future models, considering individual circumstances and preferences.
As a result of AI tool evolution, the futurist profession is diversifying. The scenarios above highlight the vital role futurists play in guiding and preparing organizations and individuals for future challenges and opportunities.
FOUR SCENARIOS FOR THE FUTURE ROLE OF PROFESSIONAL FUTURISTS
Given the emergence and evolution of AI tools, professional futurists can envision increasingly diversified and essential roles across various sectors and segments of society, such as:
Futurists as Strategic Guides: In this scenario, futurists become essential partners for businesses and governments, providing actionable insights and strategies based on plausible future scenarios. They use their expertise in AI, data analysis, and other tools to identify emerging trends, assess risks/opportunities, and develop strategic plans to navigate an uncertain future. Key skills include: strategic thinking, effective communication, workshop facilitation, and project management.
Futurists as Innovation Specialists: In this context, futurists work at the forefront of innovation, helping companies and organizations develop new products, services, and business models. They use their understanding of the future to identify areas of opportunity, generate creative ideas, and prototype innovative solutions. Key skills are creative thinking, design thinking, prototyping, and project management.
Futurists as Educators and Communicators: In this scenario, futurists take on the role of educators and communicators, helping the public understand future implications and prepare for upcoming changes. They develop courses, workshops, and lectures, create online content, and engage the general public through social media and other channels. Key skills include: clear and concise communication, storytelling, public speaking, and content development.
Futurists as Independent Consultants: Here, futurists operate as independent consultants, offering their services to a variety of clients. They can become specialists in a specific sector or industry or offer a broader range of services, such as trend analysis, scenario development, and strategic planning. Key skills include: entrepreneurship, marketing and sales, time management, and networking.
KEY AXES FOR THE PROFESSIONAL FUTURIST IN 2030
With technological advances and social changes, it is crucial for professional futurists to understand the guiding axes of the profession for 2030 scenarios, which impact AI adoption, geographical focus, sector specialization, work method, and target audience. These elements will define the role and effectiveness of futurists.
Level of AI Adoption:
High: AI is deeply integrated into professional daily life, analyzing large datasets, developing complex scenarios, and facilitating mass communication.
Moderate: AI is used in specific areas such as business analysis, marketing, and product development to complement skills and increase productivity.
Low: AI tools are used sporadically, with futurists relying on traditional research and analysis methods.
Geographical Focus:
Global: Operates on a global scale, helping businesses and governments navigate an increasingly interdependent world.
Regional: Focuses on a specific world region, providing insights and strategies tailored to local needs.
Local: Works in specific communities, shaping the future of cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
Sector Specialization:
Business: Works with companies to develop business strategies, identifying innovation opportunities and risk mitigation.
Government: Supports governments in developing public policies for future planning and potential crises.
Civil Society: Supports civil society organizations addressing social issues, promoting justice, and building a more sustainable future.
Work Method:
Independent: Works as an independent consultant, providing services to various clients.
Employed: Works in companies, government agencies, or civil society organizations.
Hybrid: Combines independent work with employed work, leveraging the benefits of both models.
Target Audience:
Businesses: Provides services to companies of all sizes and sectors.
Governments: Works with governments at all levels.
General Public: Educates and informs the public about future implications and how to prepare for upcoming changes.
It is crucial to highlight that creativity, vision, and imagination are essential for the future. It is people, not technology, who possess these capacities. There is an urgent need to control excessive power concentration and promote international cooperation to ensure trustworthy and ethical AI. An excessive focus on individual and short-term interests encourages the use of AI in producing low-cost content merely to maximize clicks and views, polluting human culture and weakening our understanding of reality.
For the professional futurist, AI is a valuable supplement when applied correctly and with a focus on social bias, enabling exponential increases in overall productivity, optimization, and reduction of economic resources, as well as encouraging continuous human learning — given that society is still more concerned with AI efficiency gains than human efficiency gains.
In conclusion, Professional Futurists will not disappear but must evolve by incorporating AI as a valuable tool, enabling a new perspective on human society's demands and valuing each individual's talent by leveraging technology's potential to help shape a sustainable and prosperous future.
Jaqueline Weigel is a futurist and expert in Futures Studies and Corporate Foresight, Keynote Speaker and Future Leadership Facilitator by W Futurismo, a Foresight Consultant Business in Brazil.
Delma Moraes is a foresight practitioner with a Master's in Business Strategy. Her experience as an Executive and Consultant in Brazilian corporations across various industries equips her with a deep understanding of business dynamics. Her expertise spans Management, Organizational Development, and Technology. Delma actively seeks to empower others through knowledge sharing.
Vitor Raposo is a humanist, an entrepreneur and a foresight practitioner. He has a Doctor’s in Administration and a Master's degree in Educational Sciences for Society 5.0 from FICS. Dr. Raposo's scholarly pursuits are complemented by specializations in Strategic Foresight, Futures Studies, Innovation, Project Management, and Strategic Business Management.
Alexandre Contar Fernandes is passionate about science and the creation of futures. Master in Renewable Energies, Sustainability and ESG studies and Specialist in Strategic and Financial Planning. In the academic field, it is complemented by specializations in Finance, Economics, Futures Studies, Neurosciences and Human Behavior, Artificial Intelligence and Physical-Astrophysics.
Elzi Campos is a foresight practitioner with W Futurismo. She earned her PhD in psychology from the University of Brasília. She is an expert in the development and management of educational and mentoring programs. She is an executive researcher in startups with a focus on digital adaptation, diversity, and new products, and also mentors professionals transitioning to new careers and lifestyles.
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