Patterns Of The Future: Understanding The Next Wave Of Global Change

by Markku Wilenius, Tarja Halonen

Overview

Patterns of the Future explains the current world using the theory of long-term development waves (Kondratiev waves). Markku Wilenius, Professor of Futures Studies, argues that we are now entering the sixth wave: the age of intelligent, integrated technologies, helping to restore the balance between humans, technology and nature by radically improved material and energy efficiency and a wiser use of human potential.The unfolding sixth wave will challenge our current values, institutions and business models. Using a systems-based approach, Patterns of the Future analyses how corporations and the public sector can navigate in the sixth wave. Case studies look at specific examples of this, using high-profile companies to demonstrate both the best- (and worst-) case scenarios of innovation for change.This book spans concepts from multiple disciplines in the social sciences, making it relevant not only to undergraduate and graduate students in futures studies, environmental studies, economics, and business, but also national policymakers, think tanks, corporate operators and indeed for any one seriously interested in the future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781786342881
Publisher:	World Scientific Publishing Europe Ltd
Publication date:	05/23/2017
Pages:	268
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

About the Author xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xvii

Chapter 1 What is Really Going On? 1

Chapter 2 The Pain and the Thrill of Uncertainty 13

Chapter 3 Wave of Advancement 31

Chapter 4 The Pulse of Planet Earth 55

Chapter 5 The Roar of the People 79

Chapter 6 The Meaning of Economy 113

Chapter 7 Singing the Praises of Entrepreneurship 125

Chapter 8 The Freedom of Leadership 137

Chapter 9 The Power of Education and Culture 153

Chapter 10 A Revolution of Awareness 165

Chapter 11 The Opportunity for Finland 171

Chapter 12 What Needs to be Done? 205

Epilogue: Towards a Cooperative Society 223

Further Reading 229

Index 237