Global Megatrends
Seven Patterns of Change Shaping Our Future
By: Stefan Hajkowicz
A creative, entertaining and interesting treatise on the future of the world.
A scarcity of natural resources. The challenge to protect biodiversity and the global climate. Rapid economic growth and urbanisation in Asia and the developing world. Changing demographics and an ageing population. The impact of new digital technologies. Consumer expectations for services, experiences and social interaction. An imperative to innovate. + Full description
Megatrends are gradual yet powerful trajectories of change that have the potential to throw companies, individuals and societies into freefall. In Global Megatrends author Stefan Hajkowicz identifies these seven patterns of global change and tells a story about how the world will change over the next 20 years.
The book captures the thinking of many dedicated scientists and researchers who have devoted their careers to exploring and understanding change. The change heralded by megatrends lies beyond our direct control but not beyond our influence. By getting a picture of how the world is changing and what these megatrends are, we can alter our destiny.
- Short descriptionNews
The seventh megatrend: The innovation imperative
"The last megatrend is about accelerating technological advancement and the importance of innovation... we explore the rise of regenerative medicine which could keep human beings living for hundreds of years. We explore advances in energy storage systems (batteries) which could revolutionise the way we power our cities, our cars, our planes and the whole economy... Overall, this megatrend points towards a world where human innovation makes (just about) anything possible."
Watch Stefan Hajkowicz interviewed on Sky News Business about Global Megatrends.
Reviews
“This book provides an extraordinary insight from the very people who don’t just think about the future, but who are working on the future. The megatrends informed the strategic directions of CSIRO and companies, governments and communities across Australia and the world. I recommend this book to anyone who needs to make decisions in a world where the pace of change is accelerating.” - Dr Megan Clark AC
Details
Paperback | May 2015 | $ 35.00ISBN: 9781486301409 | 216 pages | 234 x 153 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Graphs, Illustrations
ePDF | May 2015
ISBN: 9781486301416
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
ePUB | May 2015
ISBN: 9781486301423
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Available from eRetailers
Contents
IntroductionThinking about the future
A history of the future
A moment of serendipity (and seven megatrends)
More from less
Increasing demand for limited natural resources
Going, going... gone?
A window of opportunity to protect biodiversity, habitats and the global climate
The Silk Highway
Rapid economic growth in Asia and the developing world
Forever young
An ageing population, changed retirement patterns, chronic illness and rising healthcare expenditure
Virtually here
Digital technology is reshaping retail and office precincts, city design and function and labour markets
Great expectations
Consumer and societal expectations for services, experiences and social interaction
The innovation imperative
Technological advancement is accelerating and it is creating new markets and extinguishing existing ones
Falling and landing
Conclusion
References
Index
Authors
Over the past 20 years Stefan Hajkowicz has been thinking about how people plan for an uncertain future. With training in economics, geography and decision theory Stefan is one of CSIRO’s leading thinkers about trends, shocks and scenarios in the coming decades. His work led to the creation of the newly established CSIRO Futures research unit – a team of dedicated scientists working to unveil the future and inform people’s choices. Stefan now works as a principal scientist at CSIRO in Brisbane and is in demand worldwide as a speaker, strategist and consultant.Related titles
