Markku Wilenius: Shaping the Future of Cities, Travel, and Sustainability

In this enlightening episode, Markku Wilenius, a distinguished futurist, former Dean of the Dubai Future Academy at the Dubai Future Foundation, and the Unesco Chair of learning for transformation and planetary futures, shares his profound insights on future trends and shifts. With over 25 years of experience in futures research, Markku has delved into a myriad of topics ranging from future technologies and culture, to food, climate change, and more. Also a former professor of futures studies at the Finland Futures Research Center, Markku is deeply committed to examining educational issues and fostering more human-focused learning environments across the globe. Listen as he discusses emerging global innovation hubs, the future of Dubai, and the transformative changes that will shape our future world.

In the first part of the conversation, Markku lays out the transformation of cities over time. He paints a vivid picture of how urban spaces have moved from being purely functional to becoming places designed for human experience and interaction. He draws attention to the success of cities like Vienna and Copenhagen, which pioneered the concept of pedestrian-friendly urban spaces.

As we move to the second part, Markku discusses the changing landscape of travel in the post-pandemic era. He underlines the significance of technological advancements like virtual and augmented reality in facilitating 'virtual visits,' reducing the need for physical travel. He also highlights the importance of resource efficiency and the imperative of transitioning to renewable energy sources.

In the final part of the episode, Markku turns his focus to the entrepreneurial opportunities that these shifts present. He emphasizes the necessity for innovation in sustainable practices, renewable energy sources, and health, calling on entrepreneurs to envision the future and create products and services that address these needs.

From his insights into the future of Dubai to his thoughts on the emergence of new global innovation hubs, Markku provides a thought-provoking exploration of what the future might hold. Tune in to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of the changes on the horizon and how they might shape our lives in the future.