World Economic Forum

What are 'elastocalorics' or 'reconfigurable intelligent surfaces'? In a few years' time these emerging technologies may have transformed the way we heat and cool our homes, and how we transmit ever greater amounts of data. They are among the technological innovations identified in the World Economic Forum's annual Top 10 Emerging Technologies report, which picks the tech that could transform the world in the coming years. In this video-podcast, the two lead authors of the report take us through each of the 10 on this year's list. The report is produced in collaboration with Frontiers. Guests: Mariette DiChristina, Dean and Professor of the Practice in Journalism, Boston University College of Communication Bernie Meyerson, Chief Innovation Officer Emeritus, IBM Links: Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2024: Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Previous editions of the Top 10 Tech report: 2023 2021 2020 Related podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :

Unsafe, costly transit contributes to everything from wealth and equity gaps to pollution. But as cities grapple with growing populations, shifting needs, technological advancement and the energy transition, we’re approaching a moment of reinvention that could lead to positive change if planned correctly. Benjamin de la Peña, the CEO of the Shared-Use Mobility Center breaks down the incentives and strategies that could drive more climate-ready, equitable, safe and affordable transportation. He also discusses the importance of systems thinking and planning that factors in the generations to come -- thinking that can help any leader make big change happen. 

From bespoke gene editing to AI-powered healthcare, we are living in an age of breakthroughs propelled by advances in AI. What are the trade-offs societies and industries need to manage as AI adoption progresses? Speaker: Erik Brynjolfsson, Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki Professor; Director, Digital Economy Lab, Stanford University Host: Zeina Soufan, Senior Anchor, Asharq News This is the full audio from a session at the Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils 2024 in Dubai on 16, Oct, 2024. Watch it here: Links: Article based on this session: Related podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :

Daphne Koller is an AI pioneer, MacArthur fellow, member of the National Academy of sciences and the founder and CEO of drug discovery and development company insitro. She’ll talk about how attitudes surrounding AI have evolved in her multi-decade career and what's ahead - including how technology is reshaping drug discovery, paving the way for more targeted treatments for the patients who can benefit most. But maximizing AI-powered innovation will depend on better investments in data aggregation, quality and collection and navigating hype cycles that can distract from real impact.  This academic-turned-entrepreneur will also share how founding insitro (and a previous company, Coursera) helped her expand her leadership and management skills, all while driving home the importance of shaping a company culture. At insitro, this focus building a culture that works for unique needs led to a special ‘helix’ inspired-structure that helps discovery biologists, automation engineers and others in the company's cross-functional teams keep communication flowing, problem solve, and prevent the siloes that can hold true innovation back.  Transcript: Insitro: Top Ten Technologies of 2024:

Wars, trade tensions and elections around the world are testing humanity's ability to tackle climate change. Two experts from the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on the Future of Geopolitics look at the diplomacy and real-world reality of climate change politics and economics, with a particular focus on the global South. This episode is published to coincide with the Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils, find out more here: Guests: Arun Sharma, senior advisor to the Chairman, Adani Group Varun Sivaram, Senior Fellow for Energy and Climate, Council on Foreign Relations Co-host: Jessica Margolis, Lead, Geopolitical Agenda, World Economic Forum Links: The World Economic Forum’s network of Global Future Councils: Global Future Council on the Future of Geopolitics: Shaping Cooperation in a Fragmenting World: Related podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :

Gaps in the design of everything from AI to pharmaceuticals lead to everything from safety risk to poor health outcomes. Ngina Muntean, the chief of innovation at the United Nations Population Fund, is looking to fix this, making research and design more inclusive for everyone. Her agency launched the Equity 2030 Alliance last year bringing together leaders in tech and pharma and other sectors to share best practices. Its experts in academia, government and business come together to help advocate for new standards in equitable investment, and to champion more gender-inclusive approaches to tech and design. The group is coming upon its first year anniversary which it celebrated during this year's UN General Assembly Week in New York City at the Summit of the Future. Nigina is also a former physician and a public health expert who understands how investments in research and design impact the lives of everyday people, especially those with the least resources. She shares her first-hand perspectives on what’s needed tackle bias in design and what any leader should keep in mind. More about this episode:  2030 Equity Alliance: 2024 World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap: 2024 Sustainable Development Impact Meetings: Related podcasts: Cyber has a skills gap. How approaches to tech, hiring – and retaining women - can help: Build a culture of innovation: HPE's CTO shares what must be in place:      

After the pandemic, Tiya Gordon realized the next global crisis would be climate based. To that end, she’s co-founded It’s Electric, a curbside solution that takes power from buildings, sidestepping the currently time-consuming permitting and installation process that slows the growth of charging stations in cities around the world. She shares how her design background has helped her be clear-eyed on objectives, identify fresh approaches and break down stubborn barriers, all to speed the change needed for the energy transition.  To learn more: Guest: Report: Related podcasts: An energy company is building the world's largest airplane. Here's why: 7 top innovators share strategies that drive cutting edge solutions:

Indermit Gill, Chief Economist of the World Bank Group, shares a nuanced view of the global economy—slightly better than predicted but not as strong as six years ago. He discusses the heavy burden of debt on developing nations, particularly its impact on health and education services. Aengus Collins highlights emerging markets like India and stresses the need for innovative solutions to encourage growth and combat climate change. The conversation underscores the urgency of effective debt restructuring and financial support for vulnerable economies.

A new, critically acclaimed documentary follows the fortunes of online investors, including one who made - and lost - $3 million in cryptocurrency. The director of This Is Not Financial Advice hopes his movie will help people understand the risks and potential benefits of investing, and how they can educate themselves. Co-host: Meagan Andrews, Lead, Capital Market Initiatives, World Economic Forum Guest: Chris Temple, Film Director at Optimist Links: Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems: Film website: Related podcasts: Check out all our podcasts on : - - : - : - : Join the :

Jeremy Allaire, co-founder and CEO of Circle, dives into the world of stablecoins and their revolutionary impact on economic activities and humanitarian aid. He highlights the rapid adoption of USDC, which is transforming enterprises' financial transactions and breaking down traditional banking barriers. Allaire discusses Circle's partnership with UNHCR, showcasing how digital currencies are enhancing resource distribution for displaced individuals. The conversation also explores the future of finance, emphasizing the importance of trust and regulation in this digital revolution.