New Futurist

A magazine of forecasts, trends, and ideas about the future.
September-October 2000, Vol. 34, No. 5

Contents of the Current Issue

Back Issues

Online Indexes:
Author Index A-L
Author Index M-Z
Index of News Articles

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Writer's Guidelines

Send a Letter to the Editor

Top 10 Forecasts From Outlook 2000 Report

Current Forecasts

Special to Web visitors, here are a few of the editors' favorite forecasts from this issue of The Futurist:

There will be a dramatic rise in the number of computers that help doctors over the next few years, whether it be to aid with difficult surgeries, provide a quick diagnoses, or to assist with physical therapy. -- Adi Armoni, page 13.
The Internet's impact will soon be felt more strongly in rural areas, particularly in the farming industry. Farm sales over the Internet will rise from $35 billion this year to $124 billion by 2004. -- Paul Rux, page 14.
Real-time traffic information, computerized navigation, and even automated cars will make driving easier. -- PIARC Committee On Intelligent transport, page 26.
A liberal arts education may be more valuable than a specialized education in the future, as fast-changing technologies and workplaces demand broadly-educated workers who can learn continuously and solve problems creatively. -- Roger E. Herman, page 16.
Author Edward E. Gordon disagrees with the above forecast. He says that many of the good paying jobs over the next 10-15 years may not require a four-year degree. These service, craft, or technical positions will require an associate degree or technical
training certificate. -- page 48.
"Health kiosks" at the local mall, able to measure vital signs and diagnose problems, may replace visits to the doctor in 2025. -- James O. Wooten, page 18.
"Virtual assistants" -- sophisticated computer programs that can sift through information and solve problems -- may replace the business executive's personal assistant by 2007. -- William E. Halal, special report, "The Top 10 Emerging Technologies." Humans will land on Mars by about 2022, allowing us to gather more information and paving the way for human colonization of the solar system. -- William E. Halal, special report, "The Top 10 Emerging Technologies."