The text discusses the unpredictability of the future, particularly looking ahead to 2026, amidst a backdrop of political upheaval and technological advancements. It highlights the annual Nesta collection that identifies signals indicating possible future trends, including the rise of ‘sand crime’ due to construction demands on specific types of sand, innovations in GPS technology using quantum advancements to counter signal disruptions, and the exploration of human reproduction in space as part of future colonization efforts. The collection also touches on other developments like AI governance and crowd-sourced public transport solutions. An invitation to the 2026 Future Signals event in London is included, promoting networking and discussions about upcoming innovations.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sand Crime Profiteering | The illegal trade of specific types of sand for construction purposes. | Shift from abundant resource to a valuable and contested commodity. | In 10 years, sand theft may become a significant criminal industry with regulations in place. | Increasing demand for specific sand types in urban development outstripping natural availability. | 4 |
| Quantum Navigation Technologies | Innovators developing devices to enhance navigation and reduce GPS reliance. | Transition from GPS-dependent navigation to multi-modal systems incorporating quantum tech. | Ten years from now, navigation could be highly resilient and diverse, minimizing GPS vulnerabilities. | Concerns over GPS reliability and the need for robust navigation solutions drive innovation. | 3 |
| Human Reproduction in Space | Exploration of the feasibility of human reproduction beyond Earth. | Moving from theoretical discussions about reproduction in space to practical research and experiments. | In a decade, advancements might lead to the successful reproduction of humans in space environments. | Growing interest in long-term space colonization necessitates addressing human reproduction challenges. | 5 |
| Household Advertising Technology | Emerging technology targeting consumers with ads through home appliances. | Evolution from traditional advertising to personalized home-based marketing channels. | Advertising will become more integrated into daily home life, transforming consumer interaction with brands. | Advancements in AI and consumer data analytics enable targeted marketing in personal spaces. | 4 |
| Crowd-Sourced Public Transportation | Innovations enabling citizens to collaboratively design and manage bus routes. | Shift from government-controlled public transportation to a citizen-led model. | Future transportation may reflect local needs more accurately, enhancing public system efficiency. | Demand for more responsive and adaptive public transport solutions from community feedback. | 3 |
| AI-driven Governance | Emergence of AI ministers to assist in decision-making processes. | Transition from traditional political leadership to AI-assisted governance models. | AI’s role might be central in policy-making, potentially impacting democratic processes. | Technological innovation is pushing for efficiency and expertise in government operations. | 4 |
| Citizen Data Collectives | New formations of citizens managing and sharing data collectively. | Shift from centralized data control to decentralized citizen governance. | In ten years, data sovereignty could mean more localized and empowered communities in data usage. | Concerns over data privacy are prompting a search for citizen-controlled alternatives. | 4 |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Political Instability | Insurgent political parties and new trade barriers threaten global stability, impacting international relations and cooperation. |
| Resource Scarcity | The looming shortage of certain types of sand essential for construction may lead to conflicts and criminal activity over resources. |
| GPS Vulnerability | Jamming and spoofing of GPS signals pose risks for navigation and reliance on technology for everyday activities. |
| Space Habitability | The challenges of human colonization and reproduction in space raise ethical and biological questions about life beyond Earth. |
| Surveillance and Privacy | The advent of advertising targeting people through household devices may lead to increased surveillance and privacy concerns. |
| AI Governance | The emergence of AI ministers and citizen collectives to manage data could create ethical dilemmas in governance and accountability. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Emerging Trade Concerns | The rise of new trade barriers and emergence of insurgent political parties indicate shifting international trade dynamics. |
| Sand Resource Management | Increasing awareness and theft of specific types of sand underscores the need for better resource tracking and governance. |
| Quantum Navigation Technologies | Developers are innovating against GPS dependency with quantum tech to enhance navigation solutions. |
| Space Colonization Research | Ongoing studies about human reproduction in space may push the boundaries of sustained human life beyond Earth. |
| AI Integration in Governance | The potential development of AI ministers point to a shift in governance styles and public administration. |
| Domestic Advertising Innovations | Emergence of targeted advertising through household devices suggests a shift towards more personalized consumer engagement. |
| Community Data Systems | The rise of citizen collectives to manage data indicates growing public involvement in data governance. |
| Crowdsourced Transportation Solutions | Innovation in transportation with crowdsourced bus routes reflects changing dynamics in urban mobility. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Sand Tracking and Governance | Innovations aimed at tracking, governing, and manufacturing types of sand essential for construction, amid rising sand theft concerns. |
| Quantum Navigation Devices | Devices utilizing quantum technologies to enhance navigation systems and mitigate GPS disruptions from various environmental factors. |
| Human Reproduction in Space | Research and developments exploring the feasibility of human reproduction in space, crucial for long-term colonization efforts. |
| AI Ministers | The introduction of artificial intelligence in political roles to assist or substitute human decision-making in governance. |
| Crowd-sourced Bus Routes | Innovative public transport solutions leveraging crowdsourced data to optimize bus routes and improve urban mobility. |
| Home Advertising Interfaces | Emerging technologies enabling advertisements to appear on household appliances, targeting consumers in their homes. |
| name | description |
|---|---|
| Sand Crime | Increasing demand and specific use of certain types of sand for construction may lead to organized theft and scarcity issues in the future. |
| Quantum Navigation Technologies | The development of quantum technology for navigation aims to reduce reliance on GPS, countering vulnerabilities like jamming and spoofing. |
| Human Reproduction in Space | The exploration of human reproductive capabilities in space could become a key consideration for future space colonization missions. |
| Advertising Targeting in Smart Homes | Emerging technologies might enable targeted advertising through home devices, raising privacy and ethical concerns. |
| AI in Political Systems | The potential integration of AI into government roles may reshape democratic processes and citizen engagement. |
| Crowd-Sourced Public Transport Solutions | Innovative approaches like crowd-sourcing bus routes can improve public transportation but may require new governance models. |