Top Futurists in Technology
A futurist studies and predicts possible trends, developments, and scenarios across various domains such as technology, science, society, economics, and culture. Futurists employ a range of methodologies, including trend analysis, scenario planning, forecasting, and speculative fiction, to anticipate how the future might unfold.
Why Hire A Futurist to Speak At Your Conference?
Futurists play a crucial role in helping individuals, organizations, and policymakers prepare for and adapt to potential future challenges and opportunities. They provide insights, strategies, and recommendations to help navigate uncertainty and make informed decisions in a rapidly changing world.
It’s important to note that the future is inherently uncertain, and futurists do not predict specific outcomes with absolute certainty. Instead, they offer informed perspectives on possible futures based on current trends, emerging technologies, and historical patterns, helping to illuminate potential paths forward and stimulate critical thinking about the future.
Who Are The Top Futurists?
While identifying the top futurists can be subjective, here are the top individuals who have made significant contributions and have been widely recognized for their insights into the future of technology.
Ray Kurzweil
Ray Kurzweil is an American inventor, futurist, author, and entrepreneur known for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence (AI), technological singularity, and transhumanism. Born on February 12, 1948, Kurzweil has been a prominent figure in the fields of technology and futurism for several decades.
Kurzweil is perhaps best known for his predictions about the future of technology and its impact on humanity. He popularized the concept of the “technological singularity,” a hypothetical point in the future when AI and other technologies will advance to such a degree that they will fundamentally change human civilization.
Amy Webb
Amy Webb is a quantitative futurist, author, and professor known for her work in forecasting emerging technologies and their impact on business, society, and governance. She is the founder of the Future Today Institute, a leading foresight and strategy firm that helps organizations prepare for future trends and disruptions.
Webb is also a professor of strategic foresight at the NYU Stern School of Business and a visiting fellow at the Oxford University Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment. She teaches courses on futures forecasting, technology disruption, and innovation strategy.
Webb gained widespread recognition for her methodology of “strategic foresight,” which combines data analysis, trend spotting, and scenario planning to anticipate future developments in technology and society.
Kevin Kelly
Kevin Kelly is an American author, editor, and futurist, best known for his work in exploring the impact of technology on culture, society, and the future. Born on August 14, 1952, Kelly has been a prominent figure in the fields of technology and futurism for several decades. He is known for his optimistic and forward-thinking views on the future of technology and its impact on humanity. He often discusses topics such as artificial intelligence, the internet, and the evolution of technology as a force shaping human society.
Peter Diamandis
Peter Diamandis is a Greek-American engineer, physician, entrepreneur, and author known for his work in space exploration, technological innovation, and incentivizing breakthroughs through competitions and prizes. Diamandis has been a prominent figure in the fields of space exploration and entrepreneurship. Diamandis is a strong advocate for the commercialization of space exploration and the colonization of other planets. He co-founded companies such as Space Adventures, which offers commercial spaceflights to private individuals, and Planetary Resources, which aims to mine asteroids for natural resources.
His work has had a significant impact on the fields of space exploration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He continues to be a leading voice in discussions about the future of technology and its potential to transform humanity.
Sheryl Connelly
Sheryl Connelly served as the in-house futurist for Ford Motor Company, a position she held until her retirement in 2022. In this role, Connelly was responsible for identifying global trends and exploring their potential impact on the automotive industry. She advised Ford’s executives and decision-makers on strategic planning, helping the company navigate future challenges and opportunities.
Connelly’s work involves researching a wide range of topics, including technological advancements, demographic shifts, environmental concerns, and societal changes. By staying ahead of emerging trends, she helped Ford anticipate consumer preferences and market demands, guiding product development and innovation efforts.
In addition to her role at Ford, Connelly is a sought-after speaker and thought leader on topics related to future trends and innovation. She frequently delivers keynote presentations at conferences, corporate events, and academic institutions, sharing insights from her research and experience as a futurist.
Kai-Fu Lee
Kai-Fu Lee is a prominent figure in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, known for his contributions to AI research, his work as an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, and his insights into the future of technology. Lee has had a distinguished career spanning academia, industry, and investment. He is a sought-after speaker and commentator on topics related to artificial intelligence, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Kai-Fu Lee‘s expertise and influence extend across academia, industry, and investment, making him a significant figure in the global technology landscape. His insights into AI and technology have shaped discussions about the future of innovation and its societal implications.
Erik Qualman
Futurist Erik Qualman is an American author, investor, and professor. He’s been an early investor in Amazon, Facebook, Nvidia, HubSpot, and Duolingo. Qualman was also on the beginning teams at Yahoo, Bazaarvoice, and Travelzoo during their infancy.
His expertise is in digital leadership, digital transformation, innovation, and the impact of technology on business and society. Qualman is a Professor of Digital Leadership + AI at Northwestern University. Qualman has spoken in 55 countries and reached over 50 million people. Starbucks, Google, Disney, Meta, State Farm, TikTok, Dairy Queen, Huawei, NASA, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and many others have partnered with Qualman.
He is considered a thought leader in digital marketing and social media. He regularly shares his expertise, providing practical advice and analysis on emerging trends and best practices in digital strategy. Often referred to by his moniker, Equalman, his contributions to the field of digital marketing and insights into the impact of technology on business and society have made him an influential voice in discussions about the future of marketing, leadership, and technology. His books include Socialnomics, Digital Leader, and What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube. and The Focus Project.
