Big Ideas Forum

We are globally connected at a level never experienced before. Information technologies are rapidly incorporating the Internet of Things. 50 billion devices will be connected in real time by 2030 and perhaps 100 billion devices by 2050. Will we be overwhelmed and start pushing back? [Read More]

Forever is a long time. But from today’s perspective of 76-81 years lifespans, 200-500 years may seem like forever. Biotechnology and medical sciences has made head-spinning advances in the understanding of why we age, and what we possibly can do about it. [Read More]

The epic waste embedded in our daily lives drives many of the era’s greatest crises, from energy, climate, pollution, clean water and even security and the economy. [Read More]

With nearly 7 billion people to feed, growing to 9 billion by 2050, we face a serious food shortage. Mostly, this is an issue of protein. Conventional meat production–cattle, pigs, and poultry–require resources in terms of land and water that will not be available in the future, and environmental waste problems and air pollution add to the problem. [Read More]

It is right out of a sci-fi movie: A human that is more machine than biology. Science has made great strides towards that objective and the field is accelerating with more innovations every day. It seems OK with an artificial limb controlled by the brain or a computer, but what about mechanical organs, artificial blood, lungs, etc.? When do we stop being humans? Come and weigh in on this important issue. [Read More]

Driverless cars have captured the attention of the public. The idea is both fascinating and scary and holds huge positive perspectives and some less attractive. Driverless cars have already recorded millions of miles on the road; but a few accidents have made headlines. Would you sit in a driverless Uber car? a driverless bus? Why or why not? [Read More]