Kristin Alford | University of South Australia (original) (raw)
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Papers by Kristin Alford
science might inform a more environmentally sustainable and socially equitable Australia. We conc... more science might inform a more environmentally sustainable and socially equitable Australia. We concluded that a set of ‘living scenarios ’ could support a richer national conversation, but there are many challenges in developing such scenarios. A review of horizontal, vertical and archetype scenario approaches stressed engaging in dialogue and making assumptions explicit. Our workshop invited a small group of Australians to engage in short, intimate conversations through four scenario archetypes in order to explore a process and develop broad narratives for further exploration as living scenarios.
In thinking about a future that is both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable, two c... more In thinking about a future that is both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable, two challenges are paramount. The first is to assess a multitude of possible pathways over coming decades, and especially their implications for environmental sustainability and social equity. The second is to find ways to negotiate a pathway, where negotiation implies both steering a path through uncertainties and obstacles, and also agreeing on a shared course in the face of differences in values and perceptions that are a hallmark of an open and pluralistic society.
Journal of Futures Studies
This paper outlines trends in the development of high-profile new technologies such as nano-and b... more This paper outlines trends in the development of high-profile new technologies such as nano-and bio-technology, identifying roles foresight and governance practices must play to enable their usage in addressing 'wicked' problems (e.g. climate change). We explain the notion of emerging technologies, and their expected convergences, and consider both their potential and issues faced in the Australian context. Recent trends and emerging issues – such as slower, more problematic development and adop-tion than expected, and increasingly global competition to establish 'future industries' – are reviewed to identify a set of imperatives. These imperatives highlight emerging opportunities and challenges, focussing on how examining alternative futures and perspectives may help enable effective responses to emerging technologies. emerging technologies, wicked problems, governance, expectations, convergence
science might inform a more environmentally sustainable and socially equitable Australia. We conc... more science might inform a more environmentally sustainable and socially equitable Australia. We concluded that a set of ‘living scenarios ’ could support a richer national conversation, but there are many challenges in developing such scenarios. A review of horizontal, vertical and archetype scenario approaches stressed engaging in dialogue and making assumptions explicit. Our workshop invited a small group of Australians to engage in short, intimate conversations through four scenario archetypes in order to explore a process and develop broad narratives for further exploration as living scenarios.
In thinking about a future that is both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable, two c... more In thinking about a future that is both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable, two challenges are paramount. The first is to assess a multitude of possible pathways over coming decades, and especially their implications for environmental sustainability and social equity. The second is to find ways to negotiate a pathway, where negotiation implies both steering a path through uncertainties and obstacles, and also agreeing on a shared course in the face of differences in values and perceptions that are a hallmark of an open and pluralistic society.
Journal of Futures Studies
This paper outlines trends in the development of high-profile new technologies such as nano-and b... more This paper outlines trends in the development of high-profile new technologies such as nano-and bio-technology, identifying roles foresight and governance practices must play to enable their usage in addressing 'wicked' problems (e.g. climate change). We explain the notion of emerging technologies, and their expected convergences, and consider both their potential and issues faced in the Australian context. Recent trends and emerging issues – such as slower, more problematic development and adop-tion than expected, and increasingly global competition to establish 'future industries' – are reviewed to identify a set of imperatives. These imperatives highlight emerging opportunities and challenges, focussing on how examining alternative futures and perspectives may help enable effective responses to emerging technologies. emerging technologies, wicked problems, governance, expectations, convergence