Petteri Ikonen
Predicting future is always challenging. However, there are several methods which can help us to figure out how the world may seem in 2034. Artificial intelligence and digitalization are expected to change remarkably during the next decade. They may be integrated into our everyday lives more deeply than ever before, and change the way we do business, study, and communicate. Education and work life are expected to develop to fit future needs, and therefore, the meaning of continuous learning increases. Curriculum and study methods must develop to provide answers to future challenges.
The role of entrepreneurship may change remarkably by 2034. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, can open new opportunities for entrepreneurs and create new entrepreneurship in fields which have not existed before. The meaning of sustainable development stands out increasingly. Technological development may offer new solutions to environmental challenges.
These are just some possible guidelines to figure out the future. It is important to remember that the future is always open and constantly changing, and we can influence it with our own choices and actions.
In this publication, there are important highlights when thinking about the future.
Future-proof traveling is an important subject, which has triggered a lot of discussion. In Finland, there have been significant actions to promote sustainable traveling. For example, Visit Finland has promoted Finland’s attraction internationally as a sustainable and attractive travel destination. Their vision is that Finland is a leading country of destination of sustainable travelling and the first choice of a conscious traveler. Predictive thinking is also an important part of the actions of small industrial companies. It helps companies to prepare for the future challenges and opportunities. With prediction companies can develop strategies, which can help them to achieve objectives and remain competitive.
Universities of Applied Sciences can strengthen transformative practical knowledge together. This means that they develop curriculums, study environments and education methods, which support students’ capabilities to apply knowledge in pragmatic situations, solve problems and cooperate. Learning design can be one of the key factors in the future. It combines pedagogics, design, and technology. It can help to create learning experiences, which address the future needs. Impressive learning experience leads to enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is a prerequisite of a sustainable future. Enthusiastic people are ready to learn new things, take risks and work together to achieve common goals.
Diverse skills are highlighted in future leadership. These are, for example, ability to predict and adjust to changes, understanding of digital technology and artificial intelligence, ability to lead diverse teams, and skills to advance innovations and sustainable development.
Open science and research are essential themes in the modern scientific community. They have arisen internationally meaningful ways to advance the visibility and effectiveness of science in the society. Finnish scientific research community’s common vision on open science and research is that open science and research are a seamless part of researchers’ everyday life, and support not only the effectiveness of research output, but also the quality of research.
These are important steps towards a more open and transparent scientific community, which advances sharing information, innovation, and sustainable development.
Future 2034 seems to be far out, but it is good to notice that in our everyday work at the Universities of Applied Sciences we make future with over 160 000 students. For them and with them.
Petteri Ikonen, Dr., Dean and Director, School of Business and Culture, South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, petteri.ikonen (at)xamk.fi.
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