Society increasingly places its hopes on technological innovation to improve lives and address global challenges. But why do the technologies of tomorrow – flying cars, bionic humans, smart cities – always seem just out of reach?

While advancements in AI systems continue to progress, they remain far from the ambitious predictions that have long captured public imagination. And as productivity falters around the world, radical innovation is becoming increasingly critical to solve society’s problems and improve everyday lives. What’s holding technology back? What can history teach us? And what lies ahead instead?

We’ll be exploring these questions and more on Tuesday 11 February 12:00-13:00 with Nicole Kobie, technology journalist and author of The Long History of the Future. Join us online to find out why ambitious technologies so often fail to deliver and how we can bridge the gap between fantastical predictions and real-world challenges. Nicole will be in conversation with Nesta’s William Woodward, discovery research and analysis lead for Nesta’s Discovery Hub, which scans for emerging trends and technologies.

This event will unpack lessons from history to address pressing questions such as: How can policymakers and technologists create scalable, impactful solutions for society? What can history teach us about successful innovation? What emerging technology should we really be paying attention to? And what role can organisations like Nesta play in making impactful innovations a reality?

Ideal for policymakers, technologists, and innovators, this discussion will challenge assumptions and spark fresh thinking about the future we want to build.

Designed for policymakers, technologists, and innovators, this fireside discussion will challenge conventional thinking about the future that we think lies ahead, and offer actionable insights for shaping a better tomorrow. From automated braking systems to liveable urban design, discover how small advancements can lead to transformative change.

Register to attend this online event on Tuesday 11 February to receive event details, reminders and joining links straight to your inbox.