THE GREAT PROGRESSION: A NEW ERA OF TRANSFORMATION

As a society, we are quick to fret when we face drastic changes in our routines and the way we live. This is human nature. We fear change. We fear that which we do not understand. And let’s be honest, few of us truly understand artificial intelligence (AI). A handy tool to be sure, but also a daunting new reality. Headlines exacerbate that fear. But what if there was a more positive way of thinking about it? A recent read gave me slightly more hope and helped quell the niggling thought of a potential evil overlord in the near future – the one that makes me say “please” and “thank you” to ChatGPT when I ask it for help with a task so that when the AI apocalypse comes, I will be spared because the robots know at least I was kind to them…

As we move through 2025, the world stands at the threshold of a historic shift. This period, referred to as “The Great Progression” by technology expert Peter Leyden, signals the end of the systems and institutions built in the 20th century and the beginning of a new phase of global development. According to Leyden, the next 25 years (2025-2050) will see emerging technologies with the potential to reshape the way we live, work and govern in profound and positive ways.

A TIME OF TRANSITION

The mid-2020s represent the end of an era. Across the globe, political institutions established in the last century are being questioned and re-evaluated. At the same time, rapid advances in AI are challenging traditional ways of doing things, from education to business to governance. Leyden argues that we are entering a period of reinvention, where outdated systems give way to new structures more suited to 21st-century needs.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COMES OF AGE

AI is evolving at an unprecedented pace and is already demonstrating its transformative power. The rise of generative AI, capable of producing original content and intelligent responses, is one of the most significant technological developments of our time. Leyden sees AI as a central pillar of The Great Progression, with the potential to dramatically boost productivity, create new industries and address global challenges ranging from healthcare to climate change.

A CONVERGENCE OF TECHNOLOGIES

While AI takes centre stage, it is not the only technological force shaping the future. Leyden highlights several areas reaching critical tipping points:

• Clean energy: Innovations in solar technology and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles are making sustainable energy more viable and affordable. These developments could play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and combatting climate change.

• Bioengineering: Gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR are advancing rapidly, paving the way for new possibilities in medicine, agriculture and conservation. According to Leyden, this progress enables us to shape biology in ways that were previously unimaginable, with far-reaching implications for food security, public health and ecological sustainability.

GLOBAL LESSONS FOR A GLOBAL FUTURE

Although Leyden’s historical framework is rooted in cycles of change in the United States, the broader pattern of societal transformation is globally relevant. Around the world, societies have undergone major shifts in response to economic upheaval, technological change or global conflict. From post-war reconstruction in Europe to political transitions across Africa, Asia and Latin America, history shows that major structural change often arises from periods of disruption. Leyden believes the world is now in such a moment.

SEIZING THE MOMENT

Understanding this context underscores the urgency of proactive engagement. Leyden’s vision of The Great Progression is not about predicting the future but about helping us shape it. The technologies now emerging are not just tools; they are the foundations of tomorrow’s systems. If utilised wisely, they could help create a more equitable, sustainable and resilient world.

The Great Progression is an opportunity to build a future that reflects our collective hopes and ambitions. So, how can we embrace it? By pushing aside the fear of the unknown and integrating it into our planning and thinking, we can make it work for us. Join the disruption and be part of the change. Big ideas, to be sure. Let’s think about it.