Opening Plenary

The Future of the Internet

In this keynote presentation based on his latest book, Networked: The New Social Operating System (co-authored with Barry Wellman), Dr. Rainie will discuss the findings of the most recent expert surveys on the future of teens’ brains, the future of universities, the future of money, the impact of Big Data, the battle between apps and the Web, the spread of gamefication, and the impact of smart systems on consumers.

Lee Rainie is one of the world's foremost experts on the changing face of the Internet. Since December 1999, the Washington, D.C., research center has examined how people’s Internet use affects their families, communities, health care, education, civic and political life, and workplaces. He is the former managing editor of the newsmagazine U.S. News & World Report and the co-author of four books about the future of the Internet that are based on Project surveys

Waking Up the Algorithm

For too long, computers, computational power, and even software have been thought of as cold mathematical pursuits, when in reality, the digital world is just an extension of human existence. With increasing generation of data through human activity and interaction, more complex processing and technologies are needed—but they must also be accessible. Building data processes for the future requires a more human design to interpret and deliver information in the right context, relatable to and understood by users.

Johnson will discuss how Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, is crafting algorithms and processes that will better understand what it means to be human in 2025.

Brian David Johnson is author of Screen Future and the director of Future Casting and Experience Research for Intel Corporation, San Francisco, California, USA

8:30–10:00 p.m. Welcoming Reception

A reception with refreshments will immediately follow the opening plenary session. Renew old friendships and socialize with your futurist colleagues.