Events and resources relating to technology
This event, held on 25 March at the Scottish Parliament, brought together a group of education leaders, educationalists, policy makers and relevant education stakeholders for an exploratory discussion on possible futures for artificial intelligence (AI) in Scottish schools.
Friday 23 August 2024, at the Scottish Parliament Part of the 2024 Festival of Politics, this panel discussion explored the challenges and opportunities artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology present to democracies. The panel included experts discussing the implications of AI, misinformation, the urgent need for collaborative solutions and the responsibilities of citizens, government and…
Are creative humans still relevant. This Festival of Politics debate in August 2024 explored the impact of AI on Scotland’s creative sector.
This seminar in November 2023 explored the levers that we can use in education and learning to make the best use of artificial intelligence.
With AI growing in importance throughout our lives, this blog explores a free-market future for education and schools. It accompanies our event report: “AI and Education with the Goodison Group”
This seminar in June 2023 explored the disruptive effect of artificial intelligence on education and skills. How could & should AI influence learning?
Blog in May 2023 by Robbie Scarff on Artificial Intelligence and Skills: what impact will AI have on what it means to be a worker?
Blog in May 2023 by Robbie Scarff on Artificial Intelligence and Education: what tools are available and what issues do they raise?
What effect will AI have on democracy? This podcast, recorded in May 2023, explored the potential impact of AI on our lives and how we should react.
A toolkit with seven key questions to scrutinise the design and use of artificial intelligence – for parliaments and others.
Podcast of “Data Vultures Destroying Democracy” debate, from the 2022 Festival of Politics, on the increasing role of data in our society and the implications for democracy.
A Futures Forum debate at the Festival of Politics on 11 August 2022 on disinformation, new media and democracy. In partnership with the CPG on Tibet.
This seminar in June 2022 focused on what happens when decisions made by algorithm don’t work as intended: who is accountable and how are they held accountable?
A short review of the responses of Parliaments around the world to the development of artificial intelligence [AI].
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…
This seminar in 2019 with writer Tom Chivers explored how artificial intelligence [AI] is developing and changing our lives. Includes report and podcast.
Seminar in May 2019 on how the Scottish Parliament can best engage with citizens in a digital age. Features podcast and presentations.
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…
On 4 July 2018, the Futures Forum held a seminar on the opportunities for Glasgow from the development of autonomous vehicles. Hosted by Glasgow City Council and produced in conjunction with Jacobs and Glasgow Chambers of Commerce, the event was chaired by Councillor Jen Layden and featured a keynote introduction from Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for…
On 21 June 2018, Scotland’s Futures Forum hosted a seminar on the opportunities and challenges presented by the development of autonomous vehicles. A panel discussion chaired by Gail Ross MSP, Deputy Convener of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee, saw contributions from four industry experts: Sarah McCartney and Kate Carpenter from Jacobs Ltd Iain Forbes,…
On Friday 10 November, in conjunction with the Royal Society of Edinburgh, the Futures Forum held a Scotland 2030 Programme discussion on technology and society in Inverness. Chaired by the Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh MSP, the panel for this event comprised Dr Chris Van Der Kuyl FRSE, owner of 4G, the Minecraft game developers; Futures…
On 27 October 2017, the Futures Forum held a joint consultation event with the Scottish Youth Parliament on the question of technology. Chaired by Maree Todd MSP as a Futures Forum director, the debate covered young people’s hopes and fears about the role of technology in their lives, and their thoughts about how to make…
The first line of an article I read this morning proclaimed that: “Technology has driven human civilisation for thousands of years.” [1] Businessman Mukesh Ambani was discussing the opportunities for India to become a world leader in technology as humanity sits on the cusp of a fourth Industrial Revolution that looks set to blur the…
As part of the launch of our Scotland 2030 Programme in March 2017, we asked award-winning folk singer, songwriter and essayist Karine Polwart (@IAMKP) to reflect on the cultural implications for our society from technological change. In response, Karine brought three imagined news stories from 2030. Karine read the stories and reflected on why she wrote them….
This debate with Karine Polwart and Chris van der Kuyl in March 2017 explored the effect technological innovation would have on life in Scotland.
An imagined news story from 2030 by Karine Polwart. Written in 2017, “Betty Bags a Booker” reflects on the effect of automation on our society and culture.
An imagined news story from 2030 by Karine Polwart. Written in 2017, “A Digital Haven” reflects on the mixed effect of technology on Scotland’s rural areas.
An imagined news story from 2030 by Karine Polwart. Written in 2017, “Karmic Payback” reflects on the role of apps and personal data in our health and wellbeing.
Seminar with Nesta Scotland in February 2017 on what Scotland can learn from digital democracy pioneers throughout Europe.
The growing level of automation in Scotland’s economy and the implications for our workforce was the subject of a Scotland’s Futures Forum’s Breakfast Seminar in 2017. Hosted by Richard Leonard MSP on behalf of the Parliament’s Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee, the seminar heard from Ewan Mearns of Scottish Enterprise’s strategy and sectors team…
This forum debate with the Goodison Group in Scotland in March 2015 explored learning environments, with a focus on technology.