The Lights on in the Islands
A blog by Rhoda Meek, a crofter and businesswoman, on Scotland in 2045. Written originally in Gaelic for Seachdain na Gàidhlig in 2022, the blog explores how housing is central to islands communities.
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There’s power in the community
In this blog, Green Instagrammer Iona Whyte tells us how community power and environmental initiatives can come together for the good of Scotland in 2045. Scotland and our public are capable of change in many ways in the next two decades, but we are losing control of how our planet and the environment will change…
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Green and brown
In this blog, broadcaster and ‘gardener of sorts’ John McDiarmid looks at how allotments contribute to community, wellbeing and the environment in the city, and the benefits of growing our own food. My hands are full of mud as I bend down on the allotment, the noise of the M8 running like a stream. But…
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The 2045 legacy of the Queen of Gaelic Song
In this blog, musician and broadcaster Mary Ann Kennedy looks back at the life of renowned Gaelic singer Jessie MacLachlan and asks what we can learn from her for the future. In 2045 I shall be 77, if I’m not already just an inscription on some obscure prize at the Mòd or the occasional trawl…
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Windows on the world
In this blog, writer and publisher Màiri Kidd looks at how the translation of literature between languages – large and small – can give us other windows on the world. I was once told, I’m pretty sure – and if it’s not true, I don’t care, because it would be great if it were true…
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Governing Now for Future Generations
If a week is a long time in politics, how can Parliaments and Governments take decisions for our long-term future? This seminar in March 2022 explored what Scotland can learn from Wales.
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Seachdain na Gàidhlig: Views of the Future
To mark Seachdain na Gàidhlig (Gaelic week) this year, the Futures Forum will publish a series of Gaelic blogs specially commissioned for the occasion. In our event on the future of Gaelic in 2019, one participant shared a vision of a Scotland where “Gaelic is visible and audible in public life, with Gaelic routinely used for non-Gaelic…
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Education Futures: Classrooms of the Future
Round-table discussion in March 2022 with Scottish Parliament Education Committee: How will and should the learning experience in schools continue to change alongside developments in society and technology?
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Education Futures: Who should run Scotland’s schools?
Round-table discussion in February 2022 with Scottish Parliament Education Committee: In a time of change, who should run Scotland’s schools?
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Code Red: Parliaments & the Climate and Ecological Emergencies
This COP26 event asked parliamentarians, advisers, citizens & academics to explore how Parliaments must evolve in the context of a Code Red for humanity.
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History, literature, language and a sustainable Scotland
After taking part in a 2021 Festival of Politics event on Scotland as a sustainable society in 2045, writer James Robertson shares his reflections on our future
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Scotland 2045: A Sustainable Society
Online discussion from September 2021: What does a sustainable Scotland look like? How can we build a society that works for all our citizens? What changes do we need to make as individuals?
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Scotland’s Climate Assembly: A call to action
18 August 2021 – Online seminar with Scotland’s Climate Assembly: How should Scotland change to tackle the climate emergency in an effective and fair way?
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Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland: Doing Politics Differently
Can we do politics differently? This seminar in January 2021 explored what the Scottish Parliament can learn from the work of the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland.
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Future Schooling, Education and Learning: Where next for education in Scotland?
Conference asking participants to take a step back from the day-to-day challenges of Covid-19 and consider the future: where next for education in Scotland?
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Where next for education in Scotland? Videos and additional material
As part of our conference with the Goodison Group in Scotland “What’s next for education in Scotland?” , we were keen to highlight the great work and innovation already possible in Scottish education and learning, including anything that has been introduced because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Creative Bravery Festival Team described these as ‘pockets…
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Scotland 2030: 10 for 2030
Throughout the Scotland 2030 Programme, our event participants shared their thoughts and ideas on how to approach the future. These are 10 ideas for the Scottish Parliament to consider – with some background information to support them. A Museum of Failure If we don’t fail, we don’t learn. Using the legend of Robert the Bruce…
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Scotland 2030: What do we want, and how can we get there?
Thursday 19 November 2020, 7pm to 8.30pm, online and free As Scotland’s Futures Forum publishes its report into Scotland in 2030 and beyond, join an expert panel at the Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics to discuss the kind of country Scotland will be and how we can tackle the challenges ahead. Scotland faces unprecedented change…
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Blog to the Future | Events and Resources | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
Scotland 2030: Empathetic, Equitable and Joyful
After her participation in a 2020 Festival of Politics event on Scotland in 2030, chaired by Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh MSP, writer and presenter Tomiwa Folorunso shares her reflections on the next 10 years. Open the Scotland 2030: A Positive View of Our Future report Scotland’s Futures Forum has been investigating the kind of Scotland we…
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Scotland 2030: Children’s rights must be at the heart of all that we do
Ahead of his participation in a Festival of Politics panel discussion on Scotland in 2030, the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland Bruce Adamson shares his reflections on the next 10 years. Planning ahead would be easy if we had a crystal ball, but the Futures Forum’s Scotland 2030 Programme is perhaps the next best…
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Events and Resources | Health | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Health | Scotland 2030: Mobility | Session 5 | Transport
Stealing our cities: land-use analysis
Land-use analysis of three sites in two Scottish cities shows that private cars are taking more than their fair share of the available space. The research was conducted by Marli de Jongh, a PhD student at the University of Glasgow, during a policy internship funded by SAGES, the Scottish Alliance for Geoscience, Environment and Society….
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Arts&Culture | Creative reflection | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Creative Reflections | Session 5
Chrysalis by Laura Scotland
A story by Laura Scotland about Scotland in 2030. Written in 2020, “Chrysalis” explores the experience of a new parent in a world laden with technology.
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Arts&Culture | Creative reflection | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Creative Reflections | Session 5
The Thief and the Watchdog by Katya Bacica
A story by Katya Bacica about Scotland in 2030. Written in 2020, “The Thief and the Watchdog” follows a journey in a very different Edinburgh.
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Arts&Culture | Creative reflection | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Creative Reflections | Session 5
Saplings by Sophie Charlotte Baumert
A story by Sophie Charlotte Baumert about Scotland in 2030. Written in 2020, “Saplings” follows a school trip into the countryside.
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Scotland 2030 Programme: Short Story Competition
As part of the Futures Forum’s Scotland 2030 Programme – our aspirational exploration of Scotland’s culture and society in 2030 and beyond – we were delighted to support a short story competition to help us imagine the future. We teamed up with Cymera, Scotland’s Festival of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing, and Shoreline of…
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Education | Events and Resources | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Education and Learning | Session 5
Scotland 2030: Future Schooling, Education and Learning
What could schooling, education and learning look like in 2030 and beyond? Starting with this question, the Goodison Group in Scotland and Scotland’s Futures Forum have been exploring education, schooling and learning in 2030 and beyond. This Schooling, Education and Learning report presents a scenario of what education might look like in Scotland in 2030…
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Education | Events and Resources | Major Projects | News | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Education and Learning
Scotland 2030: Future Schooling, Education & Learning – Report & Film
Tuesday 10 March 2020, at the Scottish Parliament To mark the publication of the Futures Forum and Goodison Group in Scotland report exploring the future of education in Scotland, leading figures from Scottish education joined pupils from Glasgow for an event on 10 March 2020 to discuss how schooling might change by 2030. The Schooling,…
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Finnish Lessons: Olli-Pekka Heinonen
Wednesday 4 March 2020, at the Scottish Parliament In conjunction with the David Hume Institute, Scotland’s Futures Forum held a seminar in March 2020 with Olli-Pekka Heinonen, the Director General at the Finnish National Agency for Education. Olli-Pekka spoke about the Finnish approach to education and how it is preparing its people to meet the…
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Economy | Energy | Environment | Events and Resources | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Economy | Scotland 2030: Environment | Scotland 2030: Technology | Session 5 | Technology
Scotland 2030: Carbon Positive Jobs
Wednesday 5 February 2020, at the Scottish Parliament What jobs will there be in a net zero Scotland? With a climate emergency to respond to while new technology pushes at boundaries and disrupts our lives, many jobs in Scotland will change or disappear completely. New jobs will also emerge. How can we ensure these jobs…
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Education | Events and Resources | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Education and Learning | Session 5
Scotland 2030: Leadership in Education
Tuesday 10 September and Thursday 30 January 2020, at the Scottish Parliament Open the Scotland 2030 Leadership in Education report Scotland’s Futures Forum and the Goodison Group in Scotland continued their exploration of education in the future with two events on leadership in education. The events brought together leading figures from education for interactive workshops…
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Education | Events and Resources | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Education and Learning | Session 5
Scotland 2030: Future Education Scenario
With the Goodison Group in Scotland, the Futures Forum has been investigating the future for schooling, education and learning in Scotland, looking to 2030 and beyond. In a series of interactive seminars, participants from a wide range of backgrounds, including education, academia, government and business, have been asked to consider our aspirations for education and…
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Events and Resources | Gaelic | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
Scotland 2030: Gaelic – what would success look like?
What would success look like in for Gaelic in Scotland by 2030? This half-day conference in December 2019 explored the future for one of Scotland’s official languages. Features videos and event report
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Artificial Intelligence: A Misunderstood Revolution
This seminar in 2019 with writer Tom Chivers explored how artificial intelligence [AI] is developing and changing our lives. Includes report and podcast.
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Economy | Events and Resources | Housing | Local Government | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Economy | Scotland 2030: Life in Future Scotland | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
Scotland 2030: A Sustainable Future for Urban Scotland
Wednesday 26 June 2019, at the Scottish Parliament Life in Scotland’s towns and cities is forecast to change significantly in the coming decades. Cities are set to continue to grow, facing the challenge of providing housing and services for new populations, while the role and place of towns in Scotland remains uncertain as traditional high…
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Blog to the Future | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Economy | Scotland 2030: Life in Future Scotland | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
Scotland’s cities: retrofitting or new urban developments?
A blog by Felix Esche, a work experience student in June 2019, on the future of our cities.
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Education | Events and Resources | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Education and Learning | Session 5
Scotland 2030: Leadership in Education
Tuesday 11 June 2019, at the Scottish Parliament This seminar, chaired by Sir Andrew Cubie, was the second in a series of debates focusing on leadership in education, particularly leadership of change. It featured a presentation from Neil McLennan, Director of Leadership programmes at the University of Aberdeen, a small-group workshop session and reflections from…
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Events and Resources | Health | Leaders in Sport & Physical Activity: Seminar Series | Major Projects | Session 5 | Society
Leaders in Sport & Physical Activity: Judy Murray
On Wednesday 5 June 2019, former Fed Cup Captain Judy Murray spoke at the Scottish Parliament as part of the seminar series with Leaders in Sport and Physical Activity hosted by the Futures Forum and the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe). Judy reflected on her experience of coaching in tennis in Scotland, the lessons she’s…
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Events and Resources | Health | Leaders in Sport & Physical Activity: Seminar Series | Major Projects | Session 5 | Society
Leaders in Sport & Physical Activity: David Duke
On Wednesday 29 May 2019, the founder and chief executive of Street Soccer, David Duke, spoke at the Scottish Parliament about his journey through sport and the lessons he has learned along the way. Organised by the Futures Forum and the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe), this seminar was part of a series reflecting on…
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Digital Democracy: Engagement and Parliament
Seminar in May 2019 on how the Scottish Parliament can best engage with citizens in a digital age. Features podcast and presentations.
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Creative reflection | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Creative Reflections | Scotland 2030: Economy | Scotland 2030: Life in Future Scotland | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
In An Enlightened Future by Susie Maguire
A reflection by Susie Maguire on the potential effect of a citizen’s income. Written in 2019, “In An Enlightened Future” charts the dream of someone living in a world with a citizen’s income.
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Economy | Environment | Events and Resources | Housing | Local Government | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Economy | Scotland 2030: Environment | Scotland 2030: Life in Future Scotland | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
Scotland 2030: A Sustainable Future for Rural Scotland
Scotland’s sparsely-populated areas are predicted to lose a quarter of their population by 2046, with the working age population likely to shrink by 33%. At the same time, the challenge of enabling the development that is needed to sustain rural communities is delicately balanced with the environmental imperatives of conserving our environment and protecting its…
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Events and Resources | Health | Leaders in Sport & Physical Activity: Seminar Series | Major Projects | Session 5 | Society
Leaders in Sport & Physical Activity: Shelley Kerr
On Wednesday 8 May 2019, the Head Coach of the Scotland Women’s National Team, Shelley Kerr, spoke at the Parliament in a seminar chaired by the Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh MSP. Podcast Listen to a podcast of Shelley’s presentation here: Shelley spoke about how she had to battle to play football as a girl growing…
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Climate Change with the IPCC
Seminar in April 2019 with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) looking at science, policy and solutions on a global scale. Features a podcast.
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Economy | Events and Resources | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Economy | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
Scotland 2030: A Citizen’s Income?
Panel discussion at the Scottish Parliament in 2019 on a citizen’s income or universal basic income. How attractive – and affordable – is it as a policy?
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The Future of Feminism with Helen Lewis
Short report of event from March 2019 with Helen Lewis on the Future of Feminism with Monica Lennon MSP.
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Scotland 2030: Leadership in Education
On Tuesday 12 March 2019, the Futures Forum and the Goodison Group in Scotland continued their exploration of schooling and learning in the future. Bringing together representatives from business, government and education, this event focused on leadership in education and featured a contribution from Professor Graham Donaldson. The seminar built on previous events from which…
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Blog to the Future | Economy | Health | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Economy | Scotland 2030: Health | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
Can Scotland be a world leader in wellbeing?
Jennifer Wallace, Carnegie UK Trust, @Jen_CarnegieUK Earlier this month I attended a Scotland’s Futures Forum seminar on a wellbeing economy at the Scottish Parliament. The event, a collaboration between the Futures Forum, the Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee and the newly formed Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll), heard from a range of thinkers and doers…
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Economy | Events and Resources | Health | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Economy | Scotland 2030: Health | Session 5
Scotland 2030: A Wellbeing Economy?
Report of a seminar in February 2019 with the Wellbeing Economy Alliance on Scotland as a wellbeing economy.
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Events and Resources | Health | Housing | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Health | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
Scotland 2030: Housing and Ageing
How can housing meet the needs of older people in the future? This seminar in January 2019 explored the future for housing with an ageing population. Features podcast of presentation.
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Events and Resources | Health | Leaders in Sport & Physical Activity: Seminar Series | Major Projects | News | Scotland 2030: Health | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5
Leaders in Sport & Physical Activity: Seminar Series
In 2019, the Futures Forum and the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) hosted a series of seminars hearing from leaders in sport and physical activity. Each was asked to share the lessons they’ve learned in their journey through sport, along with their thoughts about the future. The seminars were for MSPs, MSP staff and Parliament…
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International Perspectives on Drug Policy
This seminar in December 2018 brought together experts from Denmark and Norway to share good practice on drugs policy.
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Events and Resources | Health | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Health | Scotland 2030: Our Future Scotland | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
Scotland 2030: A Sustainable Future for Social Care for Older People
16 November 2018, at the Scottish Parliament In conjunction with the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sport Committee, the Futures Forum brought together a diverse range of people to consider the future for social care for older people in Scotland. The seminar was chaired by the convener of the Health and Sport Committee, Lewis Macdonald MSP….
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Education | Events and Resources | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Education and Learning | Session 5
Scotland 2030: Secondary Education
Future Schooling, Education and Learning: Goodison Group in Scotland Forum Debate Tuesday 13 November 2018, at the Scottish Parliament The Goodison Group in Scotland and the Futures Forum continued their exploration of schooling and learning in the future, with a focus on secondary education in 2030. Read the event report here: Future Education: Secondary Schools…
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Events and Resources | Health | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Life in Future Scotland | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
Scotland 2030: Death and Dying
Tuesday 6 November 2018, at the Scottish Parliament The Futures Forum concluded its investigation into life in the future with a discussion on death and dying in 2030 and beyond. Chaired by the Parliament’s Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP, this session considered our approach to death and dying in Scotland, now and in the…
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Post-Brexit Common Frameworks
Half day conference in November 2018 with the Finance and Constitution Committee on governance in the UK after Brexit. Features event report.
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Events and Resources | Health | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Health | Scotland 2030: Life in Future Scotland | Scotland 2030: Society | Session 5 | Society
Scotland 2030: Growing Older in Future Scotland
Wednesday 3 October 2018, at the Scottish Parliament The Futures Forum continued its investigation into life in the future with a discussion on growing older in 2030 and beyond. Chaired by Ross Greer MSP, this session focused on the role of older people in our society and the aspirations we have for our later years….
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Arts&Culture | Creative reflection | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Creative Reflections | Scotland 2030: Our Future Scotland | Session 5
Our Future Scotland: Artwork
Artworks commissioned in 2018 by the Futures Forum from Fiona J MacLellan as part of a paid internship. The pieces represented the growing body of work in our Scotland 2030 Programme.
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Smart Justice: Lessons from New York
This seminar in September 2018 featured a presentation by Greg Berman, Director of the Center for Court Innovation in New York, on its approach to smart justice.
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Environment | Events and Resources | Health | Major Projects | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Environment | Scotland 2030: Health | Scotland 2030: Life in Future Scotland | Session 5 | Society
Scotland 2030: Our Food Future
This seminar in September 2018 used Nourish Scotland’s vision of a sustainable food system in 2030 to prompt a discussion on food in Scotland. Features video of presentations and report.
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Environment | Events and Resources | Major Projects | News | Scotland 2030 Programme | Scotland 2030: Mobility | Scotland 2030: Technology | Session 5 | Technology | Transport
Scotland 2030: Autonomous Vehicles
Are autonomous vehicles the future? How well developed are they already, what is likely to happen next, and how can Scotland exploit the opportunities they present? Scotland’s Futures Forum was delighted to work with Ivan McKee MSP and various partners including Jacobs to explore the potential presented by the development of autonomous vehicles and the…
