The Future of Work 2050

The Houston Team used Framework Foresight over the course of one semester (four months) to develop scenarios and recommendations. The principal components of the project include:

• Scanning
• Drivers
• Scenarios using Jim Dator's four archetype apporach: continuation, collapse, new equillibrium, transformation
• Recommended strategic approach

Drivers Identified:

• Hardware automation
• software automation
• visualization and interface
• advanced computing
• security
• additive/advance manufacturing
• human augmentation & performance
• workforce flexibility
• international cooperation
• systems integration
• open source
• mission focus
• virtual-phyiscal integration
• modular & reconfigurable workspaces
• sustainability
• testing infrastucture
• funding support
• new governance models

Scenarios

• Good to go continuation: Privatization, automation, and virtualization are key factors in the push for commercial success.
• Breaking Orbit New Equilibrium: Humans are learning to be back in charge after “pulling the plug” on self-aware AI.
• Failure to Launch Collapse: Work for people is available, but the ability to pay them is scarce.
• New Frontiers Transformation: A gradual, intentional approach guides a symbiotic relationship between people and their tech partners in a world of abundance.

Categories: 2017 publication year | 2050 time horizon | 2050s time horizon | English publication language | Global geographic scope | augmentation | automation | digital transformation | facilities | labs & policy | scenarios | strategic approach | work models | workforce