A glimpse into the future
The year 2050 might seem distant, but it’s closer to us now than 1995—a time when the internet was still in its infancy. Reflecting on the past can help us appreciate the pace at which technology develops and how unpredictable its course can be. In 1995, the Netherlands had only about 100,000 frequent internet users. Remarkably, by 1997, the growth of internet users had even stagnated. Yet today, the internet is an indispensable part of life, a transformation almost unimaginable back then.
With this in mind, AMS-IX's series is crucial as it provides strategic insights that extend beyond today’s challenges to address the uncertainties of tomorrow. Good policy and strategic planning require us to look ahead, and this series is a valuable resource for anyone invested in understanding and shaping the future.
High-profile innovations: hype or ground-breaking change?
One of the key objectives of this series is to distinguish between mere hype and innovations that will truly be transformative. The experts interviewed by AMS-IX dive deep into emerging technologies, evaluating their potential impact and identifying those that will play a decisive role in shaping the internet—and society—by 2050.
For example, quantum computing promises to revolutionize the way we process information, potentially rendering today’s encryption methods obsolete. Meanwhile, **artificial intelligence** continues to evolve, with applications ranging from enhancing human productivity to raising ethical concerns about autonomy and decision-making.
MedTech and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) are also highlighted as areas where the internet will have a profound impact. The convergence of healthcare and technology could lead to unprecedented advancements in personalized medicine and remote care, while the integration of ESG principles into digital infrastructure may drive more sustainable and equitable growth.
Preparing for the unexpected
One of the most intriguing aspects of this series is its focus on preparing for unexpected developments. As history has shown, technological innovation often takes unforeseen turns. The stagnation of internet growth in the late 90s is just one example of how the future can defy expectations. By examining the perspectives of experts across various disciplines, AMS-IX aims to equip organizations with the knowledge they need to navigate the uncertainties of the future.
The series also explores how **regulation** and **democracy** will evolve in tandem with technological advancements. As the internet becomes even more integral to daily life, questions around privacy, data ownership, and governance will become increasingly pressing. The decisions we make today in these areas will have lasting implications for the decades to come.
Why this series matters
The internet in 2050 will be a reflection of the choices we make today. The insights shared by AMS-IX’s thought leaders are not just theoretical musings but strategic guideposts that can inform current decision-making. Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, or simply someone interested in the future of technology, this series offers valuable perspectives on what to expect and how to prepare.
In conclusion, while 2050 might seem far away, the decisions and innovations of today are already shaping the digital landscape of tomorrow. AMS-IX’s series is an essential resource for anyone looking to understand the potential futures of the internet and how to navigate the complexities that lie ahead. As we venture into this uncertain future, one thing is clear: the internet of 2050 will be a crucial determinant of the world in 2050.
- Chapter 1 The Future of Democracy, Rudy van Belkom, director of The Netherlands Study Centre for Technology Trends (STT)
- Chapter 2 The Future of Work, Thimon de Jong, behavioural expert, founder of Whetston Strategic Foresight and guest lecturer at Utrecht University
- Chapter 3 The Future of the Environment, Joanne Thurlow, Executive Director of The ESG Institute
- Chapter 4 The Future of AI, Anton Ekker, Chairman of Dutch Association of AI Lawyers
- Chapter 5 The Future of Space Exploration, Charlotte Pouwels, physicist, Galileo satellite systems engineer and co-founder and CTO of ICEE.Space
- Chapter 6 The Future of Connectivity, Ruben van den Brink, CTO of AMS-IX
- Chapter 7 The Future of Geopolitics, Maaike Okano-Heijmans, Head of the Geopolitics of Technology and Digitisation programme at the Clingendael Institute
- Chapter 8 The Future of Generative AI, Erdinç Saçan, Researcher at Fontys University of Applied Sciences, and author of the book Inclusive Artificial Intelligence
- Chapter 9 The Future of Quantum Internet, Deborah Nas, Professor of Strategic Design for Technology-based Innovation at Delft University of Technology
- Chapter 10 The Future of Connectivity, Rafael Lozano, EllaLink’s country manager for Brazil
- Chapter 11 The Future of AI Integration, Petrina Anne Steele, Global Lead for Emerging Technologies at Equinix
- Chapter 12 The Future of a tech-driven society, Peter van Burgel, CEO, AMS-IX
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