Navigating technological change requires futures thinking, and science fiction can be a powerful tool, according to Karl Schroeder. The renowned author blends storytelling with foresight expertise, using narrative to explore emerging techs' societal impact. In the Synthetic Minds podcast, Schroeder delved into AI, mixed reality, blockchain economies, and governance challenges.

He argues that narratives reveal unexpected interactions by playing out ideas against each other. Organisations can translate findings into stories for clearer communication. Schroeder's "Stealing Worlds" depicts an AI/blockchain future reshaping reality. He suggests radically decentralised economic models and evolving human-AI governance structures. Ultimately, he posits governance as the "killer app" for the next generation amid rapid change.

Biography Karl SchroederKarl Schroeder is an award-winning author and a member of the Association of Professional Futurists. He writes to entertain and also as a way of analysing and anticipating the future for institutional clients as diverse as governments, consultancies and multinational corporations. He is an engaging public speaker who has given talks about the intersection of technology and culture across North America, Europe and Eurasia. His current project is a near-future adventure novel about Arctic sovereignty and climate change. Karl lives in Toronto, Canada, with his wife and daughter.

LinksNewsletter: kschroeder.substack.comWebsite: www.kschroeder.comX: @Karl Schroeder

Books:

Stealing Worlds - 2019

Lady of Mazes - 2006