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Global Megatrends

Seven Patterns of Change Shaping Our Future

Paperback
March 2015
9781486301409
More details
  • Publisher
    CSIRO Publishing
  • Published
    30th March 2015
  • ISBN 9781486301409
  • Language English
  • Pages 216 pp.
  • Size 6" x 9.5"
  • Images graphs & illus
$35.00

Global Megatrends tells a story about how the world will change over the next 20 years. "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 seven patterns of global change: resource scarcity; the challenge to protect biodiversity and the global climate; the world’s ageing demographic; digital technology transformation; rapid economic growth and urbanization in the developing world; societal and consumer expectation for experiential goods and services; and finally a world where human innovation makes (just about) anything possible.

This 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.

“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 our organisation 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

Introduction
Thinking about the future
A history of the future
A moment of serendipity (and seven megatrends)
More from less
Going, going ... gone?
The Silk Highway
Forever young
Virtually here
Great expectations
The innovation imperative
Falling and landing
Conclusion
References
Index

Stefan Hajkowicz

Stefan Hajkowicz has been thinking for the last twenty years 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.