Think Tank

The title of my very first post in April was inspired by an personal development course i followed in 2007-2009. The course was titled “Leading by Being”. For myself, i discovered my purpose in life as “Inspiring other people to dream”.

I can do this in many different authentic ways: in my family, at work, with friends, in communities, on-line.

Based on some initial ideas created during Leading by Being, i started putting together some ideas on what is little by little becoming a think tank looking at long term future.

My Pamphlet posting of last month was basically the first part of the executive summary for this think tank.

Since then, we have been sitting together last month with 10 captains of industry of the Flanders region, where the idea was floated and generated a lot of interest. We will have a follow-up meeting after the summer holidays, where we will invite co-thinkers and enthusiasts.

I would like to go faster, but would like things happen at their natural pace, as the subtitle of this blog suggests: “Let the future emerge”.

I will keep you updated as this project/movement emerges.

To keep the subject warm, I am happy to share the 2nd part of the executive summary in its original form, hopefully to generate some on-line discussion:

We want to create a “think-tank/foundation” on long term future. Long term defined as 2030. A place where “smart people” can meet. Where experts from different technological domains share their insights for 2030. Cross-fertilizing each other’s disciplines. With “smart people” from different contexts & worldviews that can act as our “eyes” and offer a perspective on how we will live, work in 2030. On how our education is best organized. On what our ideal value kit for that era should be, beyond traditional corporate culture. A culture of sharing and exploring, where we live intensely in teams, groups, regions, countries and communities and with deep respect for the individual humanistic identity of all those forming part of it.

Similar think-tanks of course already exist. But many look at these subjects from an US-perspective only. Or only bringing together technology experts. Few or none do this from our cultural rich and diverse European heritage.

We believe that from Flanders we can make a difference. Flanders is ideally placed: it’s highly appreciated and most productive multilingual multi-cultural workforce is operating from the cross-road of Europe and fleeing out to all countries in the world. As our interdependency from other countries, regions and continents will become even more important in the years ahead, we believe we have a unique opportunity to forecast together these exciting future scenarios and possibly even lead several of these technological revolutions.

We also want to make a difference by the inclusion up-front of the Net-Generation in our thinking. We want to give the opportunity to high-potential young adults between 15-30 years to co-create this future. Mentored by those who were part of the Internet revolution 20 years ago, and who are now 35-45 years old. Vice-Versa, we also want to offer reverse-mentorship by Net-Generation high-potentials.

These new models and scenarios will demand speed, creativity, dynamism, perseverance, courage, knowledge and working together in a multi-cultural context. This new society is – together with the movement of TransHumanists – making a plea for respect for individuality, freedom, mobility and quality of life.

This work and endeavor is all about designing, exploring and organizing change, learning and fine-tuning as we go. Giving guidance to teams, organizations and leaders on how to surf these waves. Missing the first technology wave of speed and creativity will result in loss of economic relevance. Missing the wave of the new value kit will result in losing our Net-Generation, our brains for the future.

Who wants to join this movement ?