Future of Society

The Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) envisions the Future of Society platform as an integrative effort to address the multifaceted societal challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements, globalization, and shifting social dynamics. This platform operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and human values, aiming to foster a society that is resilient, equitable, and forward-looking, ensuring that technological progress benefits all segments of society equitably and sustainably.

Strategic Framework

• Technological Integration and Social Equity: Emphasizing the ethical integration of emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) into societal frameworks to enhance living standards, accessibility, and inclusivity. Adhering to standards set by organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the platform advocates for technology deployment that respects privacy, promotes digital literacy, and mitigates the risk of digital divides.

• Sustainable Development and Environmental Stewardship: Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the platform champions sustainable urban planning, renewable energy adoption, and conservation efforts, leveraging standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) to promote practices that protect the planet and ensure the well-being of future generations.

• Inclusive Governance and Civic Participation: Facilitating platforms for civic engagement and participatory governance, allowing for a more inclusive decision-making process. By incorporating frameworks and standards from entities like the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) for accessible web content, the platform ensures that societal governance structures are transparent, accountable, and reflective of diverse community needs and aspirations.

• Global Collaboration and Policy Innovation: Encouraging international cooperation to address global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity threats, and economic disparities. The platform leverages GCRI's global network to foster dialogue, exchange best practices, and develop policies that are informed by the latest research and compliant with international standards, including those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Education and Workforce Development: Advocating for lifelong learning and adaptive education systems that prepare individuals for the future of work and societal participation. The platform supports educational initiatives and standards, including those from the International Standardization Organization for Education (ISOE), to ensure educational content and delivery methods are relevant, accessible, and equipped to meet the evolving needs of society.

Excellence and Compliance

The Future of Society platform prioritizes robust data protection and cybersecurity measures to safeguard personal information and maintain societal trust in technological systems. By adhering to cybersecurity standards and continuously evolving compliance requirements, the platform ensures that societal infrastructures are secure, resilient, and capable of withstanding emerging threats.

Stakeholder Engagement

Engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including policymakers, technology developers, community organizations, and citizens—the Future of Society platform cultivates a collaborative ecosystem that drives societal innovation and problem-solving. Through workshops, forums, and participatory design processes, it ensures that the societal impact of technology is considered from diverse perspectives and that solutions are co-created with those they affect most.

The GCRI's Future of Society platform operationalizes the Nexus Paradigm through norm-setting, framework development, and standard-setting activities that enhance epistemic security and sustainability in line with planetary nexus governance. By focusing on the integration of data commons and trusts as shared resources, the platform champions an era of open collaboration, skill development, risk mitigation, and resilience building. Through this comprehensive approach, the Future of Society platform aims to guide society towards a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically enriched future.