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CONTENT

Lead Article

Meta’s factchecker cut has sparked controversy – but the real threat is AI and neurotechnology
by Fiona Carroll, and Rafael Weber Hoss, Cardiff Metropolitan University

Article 01

The Importance of Scaling Recycling Technologies
to Tackle Plastic Pollution:
Key Insights from the Ocean Recovery Alliance Report
by Doug Woodring

The Future Now Show

AI-driven Foresight
with Mike Jackson & Reto Brosi

Article 02

Luxury Without a Face: Why Most Hotels Fail at Branding
by Yasmine Mahmoudieh, Architect, Interior Designer, Tech-entrepreneur, sustainability ambassador, Founder & CEO at Yasmine Mahmoudieh

News about the Future

> noriware
> Biodegradable Plastic

Article 03

Practical Guide for EU Governments: Evaluating Open Source Alternatives vs. Commercial Software
by Igor van Gemert, CEO focusing on cyber security solutions and business continuity

Recommended Book

The Global Water Crisis: A Reference Handbook
by David E. Newton

Article 04

AI Power: Hotels Reinvent Hospitality Now!
by Are Morch

Solutions for the Planet

Water

Water Conservation

Clean Water Access

Pollution Prevention

Climate Resilience & Water Security

Futurist Portrait

Rene Rohrbeck
EDHEC Chair

 

Tags
Artificial Intelligence, Interior Design, Hotel, Water, EU Governments, Open Source Software, Pollution, Resilience, Water Security, Foresight, Branding, Plastic, Ocean, Seaweed,

Welcome




Felix B Bopp
Producer, The Future Now Show
Founder & Publisher, Club of Amsterdam

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Quotes

Rene Rohrbeck: "Foresight is the art of making different planes of thought connect to create desirable futures."

Doug Woodring: "The Ocean is one body of water, and we are all owners and protectors of it, so we shouldn’t use the ‘s’ at the end of the word Ocean. The nuance is important, and people understand if you explain it, but if you don’t feel ownership, then you don’t protect."

Igor van Gemert: "Managing security in multi-cloud environments involves implementing centralized visibility and real-time monitoring to manage the attack landscape effectively."

 

= ChatGPT

 

CONTENT

Lead Article

Meta`s factchecker cut has sparked controversy - but the real threat is AI and neurotechnology
by Fiona Carroll, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Rafael Weber Hoss, Cardiff Metropolitan University

 

 

Fiona Carroll

Rafael Weber Hoss

Mark Zuckerberg`s recent decision to remove factcheckers from Meta`s platforms - including Facebook, Instagram and Threads - has sparked heated debate. Critics argue it may undermine efforts to combat misinformation and maintain credibility on social media platforms.

Yet, while much attention is directed at this move, a far more profound challenge looms. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) that processes and generates human-like language, as well as technology that aims to read the human brain, has the potential to reshape not only online discourse but also our fundamental understanding of truth and communication.

Factcheckers have long played an important role in curbing misinformation on various platforms, especially on topics like politics, public health and climate change. By verifying claims and providing context, they have helped platforms maintain a degree of accountability.

So, Meta`s move to replace them with community-driven notes, similar to Elon Musk`s approach on X (formerly Twitter), has understandably raised concerns. Many experts view the decision to remove factcheckers as a step backward, arguing that delegating content moderation to users risks amplifying echo chambers and enabling the spread of unchecked falsehoods.

Billions of people worldwide use Meta`s various platforms each month, so they wield enormous influence. Loosening safeguards could exacerbate societal polarisation and undermine trust in digital communication.

But while the debate over factchecking dominates headlines, there is a bigger picture. Advanced AI models like OpenAI`s ChatGPT or Google`s Gemini represent significant strides in natural language understanding. These systems can generate coherent, contextually relevant text and answer complex questions. They can even engage in nuanced conversations. And this ability to convincingly replicate human communication introduces unprecedented challenges.

AI-generated content blurs the line between human and machine authorship. This raises ethical questions about authorship, originality and accountability. The same tools that power helpful innovations can also be weaponised to produce sophisticated disinformation campaigns or manipulate public opinion.

These risks are compounded by other emerging technology. Inspired by human cognition, neural networks mimic the way the brain processes language. This intersection between AI and neurotechnology highlights the potential for both understanding and exploiting human thought.

Implications

Neurotechnology is a tool that reads and interacts with the brain. Its goal is to understand how we think. Like AI, it pushes the limits of what machines can do. The two fields overlap in powerful ways.

For example, REMspace, a California startup, is building a tool that records dreams. Using a brain-computer interface, it lets people communicate through lucid dreaming. While this sounds exciting, it also raises questions about mental privacy and control over our own thoughts.

Meanwhile, Meta`s investments in neurotechnology alongside its AI ventures are also concerning. Several other global companies are exploring neurotechnology too. But how will data from brain activity or linguistic patterns be used? And what safeguards will prevent misuse?

If AI systems can predict or simulate human thoughts through language, the boundary between external communication and internal cognition begins to blur. These advancements could erode trust, expose people to exploitation and reshape the way we think about communication and privacy.

Research also suggests that while this type of technology could enhance learning it may also stifle creativity and self-discipline, particularly in children.

Meta`s decision to remove factcheckers deserves scrutiny, but it`s just one part of a much larger challenge. AI and neurotechnology are forcing us to rethink how we use language, express thoughts and even understand the world around us. How can we ensure these tools serve humanity rather than exploit it?

The lack of rules to manage these tools is alarming. To protect fundamental human rights, we need strong legislation and cooperation across different industries and governments. Striking this balance is crucial. The future of truth and trust in communication depends on our ability to navigate these challenges with vigilance and foresight.

Fiona Carroll, Reader in Human Computer Interaction, Cardiff Metropolitan University and Rafael Weber Hoss, PhD Candidate in Intelligence Technologies and Digital Design, Cardiff Metropolitan University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

 

 

CONTENT

Article 01

The Importance of Scaling Recycling Technologies
to Tackle Plastic Pollution:
Key Insights from the Ocean Recovery Alliance Report
by Douglas Woodring, Founder and Managing Director, Ocean Recovery Alliance

April 14, 2025

 

 

Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with projections indicating continued growth in production and consumption. Ocean Recovery Alliance’s report, Towards Circular Plastics, provides a critical assessment of how recycling technologies - particularly mechanical and chemical recycling - can address the plastic pollution crisis by reducing mismanaged plastic waste. As the UN Plastic Treaty negotiations enter their final stages with the INC5.2 meeting in Geneva in August, the findings underscore the urgent need for policy support, infrastructure investment, and cross-sector collaboration to unlock the full potential of these solutions.

The Plastic Waste Challenge and the Role of Recycling Technologies
Currently, 40 million tons of plastic packaging and textile waste are mismanaged annually, leading to severe environmental pollution. The report highlights that systemic solutions, including policies to curb unnecessary plastic production, are paramount. However, scaling recycling technologies offers a complementary pathway to mitigate plastic leakage. Mechanical recycling is effective for clean, single-polymer plastics, while chemical recycling can process complex or contaminated materials, such as mixed-fiber textiles. Together, these technologies can manage both easy-to-recycle and hard-to-recycle waste, particularly in regions with high mismanagement rates. In fact, the world should be agnostic to “recycling” technologies, as long as they are undertaken with the proper environmental standards, as there is never one size which fits all cases, and the world needs all cases to be addressed.

In discussing recycling, it is also worth considering its actual definition, as some claim that “downcycling” is not worthwhile, or actually considered recycling in the first place. In fact, in many cases it is hard to turn one product back into the same product again, due to variations in material, quality and performance. This does not mean we should not circulate that material into something else valuable, and recycling therefore, could be defined as the process which creates valuable second-life options for plastic (or multiple after-lives), other than incineration or for energy. Options could include including building and paving materials, as well as other long-term products or infrastructure which are already technologically available. Some secondary uses of plastic last tens or hundreds of times longer than the original product or package, can make the new products lighter and stronger, and can be sold for more than the original product, even though the original properties and material may be blended with others. The main objective is to create a circular economy with materials used multiple times, regardless of their formats in their new roles, and to avoid landfills, dumping and burning.

It is also worth remembering that marketing and branding are key factors in the “valuation” of a product, which most of us do not discuss. A good analogy here would be comparing the value of a product with recycled content, to the value of a high priced luxury branded bag, which in reality, may not have material inputs which equate to the value at which that bag is sold, but has had a very high level of marketing and branding to support its perceived value.

Towards Circular Plastics was created to show stakeholders from all countries, what the gross volumes of plastic pollution could be remediated if recycling and a global circular economy (which means the trade of verified feedstock) were facilitated. Not many have had these numbers in the past, and on the contrary, most have heard that under 10% of plastic actually gets recycled, putting a negative perception and low level of trust on what is actually the biggest lever for plastic pollution reduction, other than incineration, which most do not like.

It is also worth noting, that even though there has been a lot of focus on reduce, reuse and alternative materials within the UN Plastic Treaty negotiations, Systemiq’s 2022 study showed that reduction in plastic pollution would only be estimated to be 30% by 2040 even in the best case scenario with a politically challenging environment. It is therefore critical that within the UN Plastic Treaty framework, we focus on the remaining 70%, or more, of plastic pollution which will continue to be produced, and how to facilitate its circularity through recycling, vs. landfills and incineration.

The report showcases four scenarios to project the impact of remediation, and how chemical recycling, often known as advanced recycling, can contribute to plastic pollution reduction by 2040. This would be complementary, and parallel, to the growth of mechanical recycling at the same time. These scenarios emphasize the importance of timely policy action which supports infrastructure development, much of which can come from the private sector, reducing some burden on the financing needs for capacity building from governments, which the UN Plastic Treaty delegates should also understand.

1. Business-as-usual (BAU): Marginal recycling growth and no policy support for chemical recycling would leave 75 million tons of hard-to-recycle plastic feedstock unaddressed, including 31 million tons of mismanaged waste.
2. Delayed policy support (until 2030): Slower adoption of chemical recycling risks missing opportunities to reduce waste.
3. Early policy endorsement: Strategic plant locations and infrastructure investments, particularly in Asia and Africa, could significantly boost recycling capacity.
4. Integrated system: Combining chemical recycling with targeted collection and sorting systems could maximize waste recovery, handling up to 70% of hard-to-recycle plastics (22 million tons annually) that would otherwise pollute the environment.

Regional disparities in waste management capabilities, underscoring the need for tailored strategies and global circularity, as opposed to domestic circularity only, which means a large-scale repetition of resources and infrastructure, which will be hard to fund. Transboundary plastic trade and localized improvements in collection and sorting systems are essential to bridge gaps in today’s waste infrastructure, which was not designed for the complexities of plastic when it was created decades ago.

Scaling recycling technologies not only reduces plastic pollution but also delivers societal benefits, including green job creation and cleaner ecosystems, much of which are not valued when looking at cost-benefit analysis of the technologies on offer. These outcomes align with the goals of the proposed UN Plastic Treaty, and in fact offer the biggest pollution remediation and reduction lever which exists, aside from landfilling and incineration, which most stakeholders want to avoid.

A recent report from Tsinghua University in China said the rate of recycling had barely budged even as plastic production had exploded, presenting a “pressing global environmental challenge.’ It did not explain, however why plastic recycling has not globally moved above 10% over the past few decades, and these reasons are critical to understanding how to create a truly robust, efficient, trusted and scalable recycling system which supports a global circular economy. It mentioned that incineration and waste-to-energy were growing, but in fact, they have always been significant contributors to the reduction of waste for the past 20 years, with China being the one country which has added the most waste-to-energy incinerators globally in the past 15 years, following on with Japan, the EU and Singapore’s practices. In fact, these solutions, with proper scrubber and pollution reduction technology, are viable options, along with regulated landfills, but they are not the solution of the future, and detract from what a global circular economy can offer.

To make recycling viable, systemic changes are needed, which are mainly driven from policy levers, and societal change within our municipalities. Colored recycling bins rarely work at scale, due to contamination and confusion, but municipalities will need to look at waste in a “Wet vs. Dry” mentality, simplifying the sorting by consumers so that there is no contamination of material by food waste and organics. Any “dry” and uncontaminated waste can easily be sorted and recovered for value, greatly decreasing the existing costs of cleaning, sorting and decontaminating.

Other policy levers include mandates on the use of recycled content, tax or charges on the use of virgin plastics, and Extended Producer Responsibility programs (EPR) which put a fee on plastic use to the sellers/importers, so that there is funding for the government to pay for collection, sorting and processing of materials, to invigorate the global circular economy. This should also include circular design of materials for simplicity with standardization of materials and labels used, and investment in developing nations so that they can enter the global supply chain of plastic feedstock, and be allowed to trade it accordingly, if it is a commodity for secondary use.

Towards Circular Plastics presents a compelling case for the strategic expansion of mechanical and chemical recycling technologies. To achieve meaningful progress, stakeholders - including governments, businesses, and investors - must prioritize policy frameworks that support recycling innovation and infrastructure, public-private financing models to scale solutions, particularly in high-need regions, and integrated systems that combine mechanical and chemical recycling with improved waste collection. It is also critical for the UN Plastic Treaty to align well with the Basel Convention and its Plastic Amendments, as this is the legally binding instrument that governs the trade of dangerous materials, which in fact, is NOT plastic feedstock meant for recycling and the circular economy. If it gets circulated, it is not waste, and therefore should not be bound by the Basel Convention on the trade of waste, as it is no longer waste.

By acting now, the global community at the UN Plastic Treaty negotiations can turn the tide on plastic pollution, advancing both environmental sustainability and economic resilience. The findings of this report serve as a roadmap for a circular plastics economy, where waste is transformed into opportunity.

Contact: info@oceanrecov.org
Website: www.Oceanrecov.org

Download Towards Circular Plastics here.

 

Doug Woodring
Founder and Managing Director of the Ocean Recovery Alliance.

CONTENT

The Future Now Show

AI-driven Foresight
with Mike Jackson & Reto Brosi

In this meeting, Dr. Mike Jackson discusses the evolution of his AI-driven foresight company PreEmpt, and its capabilities in strategic planning and decision-making. He explaines how the system analyses data, generates insights, and provides recommendations for various challenges, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize strategic thinking and organizational planning. The discussion also touches on the system's security measures, cultural adaptability, and future developments, highlighting its aim to enhance decision-making processes across different sectors.

 

Moderator

Credits

Mike Jackson
President of PreEmpt
Rizal, Calabarzon, Philippines
preempt.life


Moderator

Reto Brosi
Efficient and effective ERM
Basel, Switzerland

Megrow Consulting GmbH
Managing Director
www.megrow.ch

The Future Now Show
clubofamsterdam.com/the-future-now-show

You can find The Future Now Show also at
LinkedIn: The Future Now Show Group
YouTube: The Future Now Show Channel

 

CONTENT

Article 02

Luxury Without a Face: Why Most Hotels Fail at Branding
by Yasmine Mahmoudieh, Architect, Interior Designer, Tech-entrepreneur, sustainability ambassador, Founder & CEO at Yasmine Mahmoudieh

 

AI generate image

March 17, 2025

Luxury hotels all claim to be 'the best' - the best service, the best experience, but at the end of the day, how many of them truly stand out? How many leave an imprint in your memory? The reality is that most of them conform. They don’t differentiate, they don’t evoke emotions, and they certainly don’t create the kind of transformative experiences that make people return.

Why do luxury brands understand marketing so much better than hotels? Why is there a queue outside every Chanel store? Why do people crave the exclusivity and uniqueness of a brand like Apple? It’s not just marketing - it’s about crafting unforgettable experiences. It’s about transformation.

Apple’s 'Think Different' campaign, created by TBWA\Chiat\Day in Santa Monica, was a turning point - not just for the brand, but for the entire business world. I remember it vividly, as I had just started my own architecture and design office in Los Angeles. The campaign reshaped Apple’s trajectory, showing the world that daring to be different was the key to success. Steve Jobs, who studied calligraphy and deeply understood the power of aesthetics and storytelling, built one of the most valuable companies in the world by merging design, technology, and marketing into an irresistible force. Today, he remains the most quoted role model in entrepreneurship and innovation, a benchmark for countless industries.

Apple's Think Different campaign wasn’t just an advertisement; it was a manifesto. It celebrated those who challenged the norm and reshaped the world.

"Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Now imagine a hotel that takes inspiration from this philosophy - a hotel where the walls whisper the wisdom of local philosophers, where the air carries the distinct scent of native flowers and spices, and where every material you touch is organic, sustainable, and deeply connected to its surroundings. A hotel that speaks, that immerses, that transforms. A hotel that feels global in its excellence but deeply local in its soul.

Yet, what do we get instead? The same Carrara marble,

luxury hotel bathroom

the same oversized flower bouquets on a table in the lobby,

Luxury hotel lobby

the same 'safe' hotel room design that makes every space feel like an uninspired copy of the last.

Luxury hotel bedroom

Hotels that should embody uniqueness and character instead play it safe, offering a sterile, forgettable experience that blends into every other so-called 'luxury' property.

Hospitality design needs its 'Think Different' moment.

I know this firsthand. When I was commissioned to redesign the Radisson Royal Hotel in Copenhagen - a legendary property originally designed by Arne Jacobsen in the 1950s - Kurt Ritter, then president of Radisson, gave me a brief I will never forget: 'Mrs. Mahmoudieh, I want a hotel where 80% love it and 20% hate it. I want a statement.' That’s branding. That’s identity. That’s the courage to stand for something rather than blend into mediocrity. The result? A hotel renovation that was a massive success, proving that character and authenticity matter.

Of course, impeccable service, kindness, and attentiveness from hotel personnel are crucial. But that alone is not enough. A hotel must have a soul. It must have an opinion. It must make a statement. It must dare to be different.

So, let’s test this theory. Look at these images of luxury hotels. To illustrate this point, I have used AI-generated images instead of real hotel photos due to copyright restrictions. However, I am sure many of you will find these spaces eerily familiar because countless hotels look just like this - safe, predictable, and lacking identity.Can you name the brand? Can you identify the city or even the country they are located in? Do I miss something here? I don’t think so.

These are all high-end properties designed to impress, yet they blur into one another. Why? Because they lack distinctiveness. They lack storytelling. They lack soul.

It’s time for luxury hotels to embrace boldness, to stand out, and to create experiences that guests will never forget.

Do you see a statement? Or just another safe, predictable version of 'luxury'?

#BrandingMatters #LuxuryHotels #UniqueDesign #SustainableLuxury #ThinkDifferent #HotelBranding #ImpactDesign #YasmineMahmoudieh #AuthenticHospitality #HotelInnovation #LuxuryMarketing #SustainabilityInDesign #LuxuryRedefined #TransformativeExperiences #ArchitecturalVision #BeyondTheOrdinary #UnforgettableHotels #luxurydesign #luxuryhospitality #sustainabledesing #multisenorydesign

Yasmine Mahmoudieh
design & architect, Her unique holistic approach to design, which merges from human psychology and cutting-edge technology.

In addition to having her own design / architecture practice, Yasmine is also the founder of myKidsy.com. Yasmine pioneered myKidsy.com, the first marketplace to find and book kids activities.. mykidsy helps time poor parents to engage their children in meaningful and fun activities during their most important part of their life.

Mahmoudieh drew on her own experiences as a mother and extensive business knowledge as one of the world’s leading architects to create myKidsy.com. myKidsy is the first online marketplace for parents to book kids activities.

myKidsy is currently looking for top sales, marketing and operational leaders that have a proven success record from other tech companies and like to join an emerging start up which aim is to combine a successful business with doing something good for society.

Yasmine opened her first studio in Los Angeles at the age of 26, after she graduated from UCLA where she studied architecture and design.Her work can be found across Europe, the United States, into the Middle East and Asia, and even in the skies above working for Airbus.

She has designed landmark office buildings and interiors, such as the German headquarters of Aon, and has been at the vanguard of a more individual approach to hotel and leisure sector developments, working on acclaimed buildings and interiors for Radisson, Kempinski and InterContinental as many others.

She is furthermore engaged in creating a new luxury resort hotel brand with a spiritual event program.

Some of her renowned projects are the Radisson SAS in Copenhagen and Berlin as well as the Nevai in Verbier and also several mixed use projects around the globe.

Her scope encompasses hotels, office buildings, restaurants, museums, retail, mixed use, furniture design, product design, mega yachts, private jets, luxury homes and spas

Yasmine is a Board member of BLLA

Yasmine is a visiting professor at Paul Bocuse School in Lyon.

 

CONTENT

News about the Future

> noriware
> Biodegradable Plastic

noriware

noriware is a material science company specializing in advanced technologies to create seaweed-based alternatives. Our solutions aim to replace traditional plastic in packaging and other products, combining sustainability with high-performance functionality.

We create packaging nature loves - simple, sustainable, and better for our future and our planet. Packaging that works like plastic, but without the harm.

1 Cultivating Seaweed
We start with seaweed - a fast-growing, renewable and regenerative resource. It grows in coastal waters, where it supports marine life and purifies the environment. Harvested sustainably, it grows back quickly and requires little maintenance, making it an ideal foundation for creating plastic-free packaging.

2 Extraction
Through close partnerships with seaweed farmers and processors, we extract natural polymers and biomass with care. Gentle processing methods break down cell walls to release valuable components while preserving their natural benefits and ensuring that every by-product is fully utilized.

3 Transformation into a processable material
Using our patented process, seaweed is transformed into high-performance biomaterials with enhanced processability, functionality, and humidity resistance - creating a sustainable and scalable alternative to plastic.

4 Seaweed pellets for a plastic-free future
We carefully tailor the properties of our biomaterials using advanced analytical methods, ensuring they are fully compatible with different processing machines and applications. The result: sustainable seaweed pellets ready to replace plastic in diverse industrial use cases. Packaging nature loves.

 

Biodegradable Plastic

Researchers led by Takuzo Aida at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) have developed a durable plastic that won’t contribute to microplastic pollution in our oceans. The new material is as strong as conventional plastics and biodegradable, but what makes it special is that it breaks down in seawater. The new plastic is therefore expected to help reduce harmful microplastic pollution that accumulates in oceans and soil and eventually enters the food chain.

“While the reversable nature of the bonds in supramolecular plastics have been thought to make them weak and unstable,” says Aida, “our new materials are just the opposite.” In the new material, the salt bridges structure is irreversible unless exposed to electrolytes like those found in seawater. The key discovery was how to create these selectively irreversible cross links.

The new plastics are non-toxic and non-flammable - meaning no CO2 emissions - and can be reshaped at temperatures above 120°C like other thermoplastics. By testing different types of guanidinium sulfates, the team was able to generate plastics that had varying hardnesses and tensile strengths, all comparable or better than conventional plastics. This means that the new type of plastic can be customized for need; hard scratch resistant plastics, rubber silicone-like plastics, strong weight-bearing plastics, or low tensile flexible plastics are all possible. The researchers also created ocean-degradable plastics using polysaccharides that form cross-linked salt bridges with guanidinium monomers. Plastics like these can be used in 3D printing as well as medical or health-related applications.

Lastly, the researchers investigated the new plastic’s recyclability and biodegradability. After dissolving the initial new plastic in salt water, they were able to recover 91% of the hexametaphosphate and 82% of the guanidinium as powders, indicating that recycling is easy and efficient. In soil, sheets of the new plastic degraded completely over the course of 10 days, supplying the soil with phosphorous and nitrogen similar to a fertilizer.

“With this new material, we have created a new family of plastics that are strong, stable, recyclable, can serve multiple functions, and importantly, do not generate microplastics,” says Aida.

 

 

 

 

CONTENT

Article 03

Practical Guide for EU Governments: Evaluating Open Source Alternatives vs. Commercial Software
by Igor van Gemert, CEO focusing on cyber security solutions and business continuity

 

March 18, 2025

Recent geopolitical developments, notably shifting attitudes from the United States toward the European Union, have significantly raised concerns about digital sovereignty and the potential for external digital influence or coercion. Consequently, EU governments are increasingly motivated to explore alternatives to traditional commercial software, especially those originating outside the EU, to mitigate risks, reduce costs, and ensure full regulatory compliance.

Cost Analysis per User

Microsoft Office 365 Business Standard: Approx. €126/user/year. LibreOffice: License free, estimated maintenance & support €15/user/year (community-based).
Microsoft Outlook/Exchange: Approx. €60/user/year. Thunderbird/Open-Xchange: Licensing free, support cost approx. €10/user/year.
SharePoint: €50/user/year. Nextcloud: License free, approx. €20/user/year including hosting and professional support.
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro: Approx. €50/user/year (volume licensing). Linux Distribution: Licensing free, estimated annual support and management €25/user/year.

Total Estimated Annual Savings

Commercial Suite: €286/user/year
Open Source Suite: €70/user/year
Potential Savings: €216/user/year (~75% cost reduction)

Compliance with EU Regulatory Frameworks

1. NIS2 Directive

Open-source solutions provide transparency, facilitating faster vulnerability identification and remediation.
Active community and vendor security updates ensure compliance with NIS2 requirements.

2. Cyber Resilience Act

Open-source platforms (Nextcloud, Linux) emphasize security-by-design, aligning with EU Cyber Resilience standards.
Rapid community and enterprise-driven incident response capabilities ensure alignment with EU cybersecurity compliance.

3. EU AI Act

Open-source solutions offer enhanced transparency, aiding compliance with the EU AI governance frameworks.

Strategic Considerations

• Digital Sovereignty: Open-source software reduces dependency on non-EU vendors, strengthening EU digital sovereignty.
• Transparency & Trust: Visibility of open-source code enhances trustworthiness, aligning with EU regulatory expectations.
• Flexibility & Customizability: Open-source alternatives allow easier adaptation to evolving regulatory and governmental requirements.

Implementation Recommendations

• Initiate gradual migration starting with pilot projects and non-sensitive applications.
  
  
• Invest early in training and building robust support infrastructure.
  Conduct regular cybersecurity audits and compliance assessments to ensure ongoing regulatory adherence.
  
  

Transitioning to open-source software significantly reduces costs, ensures full regulatory compliance, and reinforces digital sovereignty. Strategic investments in support infrastructure and employee training facilitate a sustainable and resilient digital governance model for EU governments.

Transitioning all European Union (EU) governmental institutions from commercial software to open-source alternatives could result in substantial financial savings. Here's an analysis based on available data:

Public Sector Employment in the EU

As of the first quarter of 2024, the public administration and defense sector employed approximately 14.5 million individuals within the EU. Statista

Per-User Cost Comparison

Based on previous analyses, the annual costs per user are:

Commercial Software Suite: €286 per user
Open-Source Software Suite: €70 per user

Potential Total Savings

By adopting open-source software across all public administration and defense employees, the EU could achieve:

Total Annual Savings: 14.5 million users × €216 savings per user = €3.132 billion OECD

Additional Considerations

Implementation Costs: Initial investments in training, support infrastructure, and potential migration expenses should be accounted for.
Long-Term Benefits: Beyond direct financial savings, benefits include enhanced digital sovereignty, improved compliance with EU regulations, and increased flexibility in software customization.

 

This analysis underscores the significant economic advantages of transitioning to open-source software within EU governmental bodies, alongside strategic benefits in autonomy and regulatory alignment.

Finally, a personal note to my American friends: This guide is written purely from a practical, economic, and strategic perspective and not as a critique. I'm forever grateful for the exceptional education and experiences I received in the United States, and I deeply value the friendships and bonds built over the years. However, these are challenging times, and when financial pressures mount, every opportunity to responsibly save money matters. Ultimately, this guide reflects a necessity rather than a preference - saving resources to ensure resilience and continuity in tough times is something we can all understand and appreciate.

About Igor van Gemert

Igor van Gemert is a renowned figure whose expertise in generative artificial intelligence (AI) is matched by his extensive 15year background in cybersecurity, serving as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and trusted adviser to boardrooms. His unique combination of skills has positioned him as a pivotal player in the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation projects across critical sectors including defense, healthcare, and government.

Van Gemert's deep knowledge of AI and its applications is informed by his practical experience in safeguarding digital infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. This dual focus has enabled him to contribute significantly to the development of secure, AIdriven technologies and strategies that address the complex challenges faced by these highstakes fields. As an adviser, he brings a strategic vision that encompasses not only the technical aspects of digital transformation but also the crucial cybersecurity considerations that ensure these innovations are reliable and protected against cyber threats.

His work in defense, healthcare, and government projects demonstrates a commitment to leveraging AI and cybersecurity to enhance national security, patient care, and public sector efficiency. Van Gemert's contributions extend beyond individual projects to influence broader discussions on policy, ethics, and the future direction of technology in society. By bridging the gap between cuttingedge AI research and cybersecurity best practices, Igor van Gemert plays an instrumental role in shaping the digital landscapes of critical sectors, ensuring they are both innovative and secure.

my books

CONTENT

Recommended Book

The Global Water Crisis: A Reference Handbook
by David E. Newton

How is water scarcity becoming a serious problem worldwide-including in the United States? This book provides a broad overview of water, sanitation, and hygiene problems faced by both developing and developed nations around the globe and suggests how these problems can be solved by imaginative and innovative thinking.

Human society depends on sufficient clean water. In many parts of the world, however, this most basic commodity is in very short supply. Even in developed, first-world nations, climate change and other factors have begun to create alarming water supply issues. The Global Water A Reference Handbook provides a detailed overview of this important topic, enabling readers to understand the nature of the world's water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) problems and to know what resources are best for conducting their own research on the topic.

The first chapter of the book provides the historical background information pertaining to the world's water and sanitation problems; the second chapter documents the problems, explores the issues, and presents potential solutions for understanding the nature of WASH issues. The other sections provide the needed resources for readers to study the issue of the global water crisis perspective essays, primary documents, biographical profiles, data and documents, an extended annotated bibliography, a chronology, and a glossary.

 

David E. Newton

David Edward Newton (1933- ), science educator, received his doctorate in education from Harvard in 1971. He has taught at Salem State College (1969-83) where he held a professorship in chemistry and physics; at Western Washington University (1980-87) as visiting professor of science education; and at the University of San Francisco (1983-) as professor of professional studies. He has published prolifically in the field of science education and contributed to gay and lesbian studies with his book Gay and Lesbian Rights: A Reference Handbook
David E. Newton is the author of more than 400 textbooks, encyclopedias, workbooks, and other educational materials, primarily in the field of science and math.

CONTENT

Article 04

AI Power: Hotels Reinvent Hospitality Now 
by Are Morch, IBM Applied AI Pro helping hotels

 

December 26, 2024

The hospitality industry, a realm built on human connections and personalized experiences, is at the cusp of a technological revolution. Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves, promising increased efficiency, enhanced guest experiences, and new avenues for revenue generation. However, amidst the excitement, it's crucial to maintain a balanced perspective.

While AI is a powerful tool, it's not a magic bullet that will solve every problem. To truly leverage AI's potential, hospitality businesses need a strategic approach, one that embraces innovation and creates new value propositions.

This is where the Blue Ocean Strategy comes in, guiding the hospitality industry towards uncharted territories of opportunity. This strategy encourages businesses to focus on creating new market spaces where competition is minimized, rather than battling it out in existing, overcrowded markets (red oceans).

This article will delve into the specific ways AI can transform hospitality, highlight its limitations, and demonstrate how a Blue Ocean Strategy can be instrumental in navigating the journey of AI adoption, from evaluation to daily operations.


1. AI's Potential to Transform Hospitality: A Deeper Dive

AI's potential to reshape the hospitality landscape is vast. Let's explore the key areas where it can have a significant impact:

1.1 Optimizing Operations for Seamless Efficiency

Demand Forecasting: AI algorithms can analyze historical booking data, weather patterns, local events, and economic indicators to predict fluctuations in demand with remarkable accuracy.

Action Point: Implement AI-powered forecasting tools to optimize staffing levels, ensuring adequate personnel during peak seasons and avoiding overstaffing during slower periods. This can improve workforce management, reducing labor costs while maintaining service quality.

Action Point: Use AI to predict food and beverage consumption patterns, minimizing waste and ensuring optimal inventory levels.

Revenue Management: AI can dynamically adjust room rates and package pricing in real time, considering factors like competitor pricing, demand levels, and even social media sentiment.

Action Point: Deploy AI-driven revenue management systems that automatically optimize pricing strategies across different booking channels, maximizing revenue per available room (RevPAR).

Automating Routine Tasks: AI-powered chatbots can handle basic inquiries, process reservations, and even manage check-in and check-out procedures, freeing up human staff for more complex tasks.

Action Point: Integrate AI chatbots on websites and messaging platforms to provide instant customer support and automate routine tasks, enhancing efficiency and reducing response times.

Action Point: Explore using robotics for tasks like luggage handling, room cleaning or service, or even front desk assistance.

Energy Management: Smart sensors and AI algorithms can optimize energy consumption by adjusting lighting, temperature, and ventilation based on occupancy and usage patterns.

Action Point: Install smart energy management systems that leverage AI to minimize energy waste and reduce operational costs, contribute to sustainability goals, and potentially earn green certifications that attract environmentally conscious travelers.

1.2 Enhancing Guest Experience: Personalization and Beyond

Personalization: AI can analyze guest data (with proper consent) to understand individual preferences, past behavior, and even sentiment from online reviews. This enables hyper-personalized recommendations for dining, activities, and services, making each guest feel valued and understood.

Action Point: Develop a centralized guest data platform that integrates with AI tools to deliver personalized offers, recommendations, and experiences throughout the guest journey.

Action Point: Use AI to tailor in-room entertainment options based on individual guest profiles, ensuring a more enjoyable and engaging stay.

Improved Customer Service: AI-powered virtual assistants can provide instant support, answer questions, resolve issues, and even offer local recommendations, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Action Point: Train AI chatbots to handle a wide range of guest inquiries, including FAQs, local recommendations, and service requests, providing 24/7 support.

Action Point: Use AI-driven sentiment analysis to monitor guest feedback across various channels, allowing for quick identification and resolution of negative experiences.

Smart Rooms: AI can enable smart room features that personalize the guest environment, from automated lighting and temperature control to customized entertainment options.

Action Point: Implement smart room technologies that allow guests to control various aspects of their room environment through voice commands or mobile apps, creating a more comfortable and convenient stay.

Gather and Analyze Guest Feedback: AI tools can analyze guest reviews, social media mentions, and survey responses to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement in service delivery.

Action Point: Leverage natural language processing (NLP) to analyze guest feedback and generate actionable insights that can be used to improve service quality and guest satisfaction.
1.3 Driving Innovation: Insights and New Revenue Streams

Data Analysis: AI can process and analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, including booking systems, guest interactions, and market trends, revealing hidden patterns and opportunities.

Action Point: Utilize AI-powered analytics platforms to gain deeper insights into guest behavior, market trends, and operational performance, informing strategic decision-making.

Predictive Analytics: AI can forecast future trends, anticipate guest needs, and identify potential challenges, allowing businesses to proactively adapt and stay ahead of the curve.

Action Point: Employ AI-driven predictive models to forecast demand, optimize pricing strategies, and anticipate future trends, enabling proactive planning and resource allocation.

Identifying New Revenue Streams: By analyzing data, AI can help identify unmet guest needs and emerging market trends, creating opportunities for new services, offerings, and revenue streams.

Action Point: Use AI to identify gaps in the market and develop new services or experiences that cater to specific guest segments, expanding revenue opportunities. For example, AI could help identify a growing interest in wellness travel and prompt a hotel to develop specialized wellness packages.


2. The Limitations of AI: Where the Human Touch Remains Essential

While AI offers immense potential, it's crucial to acknowledge its limitations:

2.1 The Irreplaceable Human Connection

Hospitality is fundamentally built on human interaction. The warmth of a genuine smile, the empathy in a listening ear, and the personalized attention that anticipates a guest's needs - these are elements that AI cannot fully replicate.

Action Point: Invest in training programs that enhance employees' interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, empowering them to deliver truly exceptional service that goes beyond what AI can achieve.

Action Point: Design service protocols that emphasize human interaction at key touchpoints, ensuring that guests feel genuinely welcomed and cared for.

2.2 Navigating Complex Emotional Situations

AI systems, while improving, still struggle with the nuances of human emotions. Dealing with a guest who is experiencing a personal crisis, handling a delicate complaint, or resolving a complex interpersonal conflict requires empathy, intuition, and emotional intelligence that AI currently lacks.

Action Point: Develop clear escalation procedures that ensure complex or emotionally charged situations are promptly handled by trained human staff.

Action Point: Implement feedback mechanisms that allow guests to easily connect with a human manager when needed, ensuring a safety net for situations where AI falls short.

2.3 Fostering Creativity and Intuition

While AI can generate ideas based on data patterns, it lacks the creative spark, intuition, and "gut feeling" that often lead to truly innovative and groundbreaking ideas in hospitality.

Action Point: Create innovative teams that combine the analytical power of AI with the creative thinking of human employees to generate unique and compelling guest experiences.

Action Point: Encourage a culture of experimentation and empower employees to share their creative ideas, fostering an environment where human ingenuity can flourish alongside AI.

2.4 The Data Dependency Dilemma

AI's effectiveness hinges on the quality and availability of data. Inaccurate, incomplete, or biased data can lead to flawed insights and poor decision-making.

Action Point: Implement robust data governance policies to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and security.

Action Point: Invest in data cleaning and validation processes to maintain high-quality data for AI training and analysis.

Action Point: Ensure that data is ethically sourced and used in compliance with privacy regulations, like GDPR.

2.5 The Ethical Tightrope

AI systems can inherit biases from the data they are trained on, leading to potentially discriminatory outcomes. Ethical considerations regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and job displacement require careful attention.

Action Point: Establish ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Action Point: Regularly audit AI systems for bias and take corrective measures to mitigate any discriminatory outcomes.

Action Point: Engage in open and transparent communication with stakeholders about the use of AI in the organization, addressing concerns and building trust.

2.6 Adapting to the Unforeseen

While AI can learn and adapt, it may struggle with completely unforeseen circumstances that require rapid problem-solving and out-of-the-box thinking. A sudden local emergency or a global event like a pandemic requires human adaptability and quick decision-making.

Action Point: Develop contingency plans for situations where AI systems may be disrupted or unavailable, ensuring business continuity.

Action Point: Empower employees to make independent decisions in exceptional circumstances, fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience.

2.7 The ROI Uncertainty

Implementing AI can involve significant investments in technology, training, and maintenance. The return on investment is not always guaranteed and can depend on various factors, including the specific use case, implementation strategy, and organizational readiness.

Action Point: Conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses before implementing AI solutions, carefully evaluating potential ROI and long-term sustainability.

Action Point: Start with pilot projects to test and refine AI solutions before scaling up, minimizing risks, and maximizing the likelihood of success.


3. Blue Ocean Strategy: Charting a New Course for AI Adoption

The Blue Ocean Strategy provides a framework for creating new market spaces and escaping the cutthroat competition of existing markets. In the context of AI adoption, it can guide hospitality businesses to develop unique value propositions that leverage AI in innovative ways.

3.1 Identifying Blue Ocean Opportunities

Action Point: Conduct a "strategy canvas" analysis to map the current competitive landscape and identify areas where the industry is overserving or underserving guest needs. This involves evaluating the factors of competition (e.g., price, location, amenities) and their relative importance to different guest segments.

Action Point: Use the "Four Actions Framework" (Eliminate, Reduce, Raise, Create) to rethink the value proposition:

Eliminate: Which factors that the industry takes for granted can be eliminated? (e.g., eliminating front desk check-in through mobile check-in)

Reduce: Which factors can be reduced well below the industry standard? (e.g., reducing wait times through AI-powered service)

Raise: Which factors should be raised well above the industry standard? (e.g., raising the level of personalization through AI-driven recommendations)

Create: Which factors should be created that the industry has never offered? (e.g., creating AI-powered personalized travel itineraries or virtual concierge services that anticipate guest needs)

Action Point: Explore "non-customers" – those who are not currently served by the industry – and identify their unmet needs that could be addressed through AI-powered solutions. For example, could AI be used to create more accessible travel experiences for people with disabilities?

3.2 Integrating Blue Ocean with the AI Journey

AI Evaluation: Use the Blue Ocean framework to identify AI applications that create new value curves, rather than simply automating existing processes. For example, instead of just using AI to automate check-in, consider how AI could create a completely new arrival experience that is personalized and seamless.

Action Point: When evaluating AI solutions, prioritize those that have the potential to create new value for guests and differentiate your business from competitors, aligning with the Blue Ocean principles.

Getting AI-Ready: Prepare your organization for AI adoption by fostering a culture of innovation and data literacy.

Action Point: Invest in training programs that equip employees with the skills needed to work alongside AI, such as data analysis, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.

Action Point: Establish cross-functional teams that bring together IT, operations, marketing, and guest services to collaborate on AI initiatives, ensuring a holistic approach to implementation.

Starting AI Implementation: Begin with pilot projects that align with your Blue Ocean strategy, focusing on creating new value propositions rather than simply replicating existing processes.

Action Point: Select pilot projects that have the potential to deliver significant impact and demonstrate the value of AI in creating new market spaces.

Action Point: Measure the results of pilot projects carefully, using both quantitative and qualitative data to assess their impact on guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and revenue generation.

Using AI in Day-to-Day Operations: Continuously monitor and refine your AI solutions, ensuring they remain aligned with your Blue Ocean strategy and continue to deliver unique value to guests.

Action Point: Establish feedback loops that allow for continuous improvement of AI systems based on guest feedback and operational data.

Action Point: Regularly revisit your strategy canvas and Four Actions Framework to identify new opportunities for innovation and ensure that your AI initiatives continue to create blue oceans.


4. AI: Enhancing the Human Touch with Creativity and Innovation

AI, when used strategically, can enhance the human touch in hospitality rather than replace it. By automating routine tasks and providing valuable insights, AI can free up human employees to focus on what they do best: creating meaningful connections with guests and delivering exceptional, personalized experiences.

4.1 AI as a Creative Partner

AI can be a powerful tool for creative exploration. By analyzing data and generating ideas, AI can help hospitality professionals identify new opportunities for innovation and develop unique guest experiences.

Action Point: Use AI-powered tools to brainstorm new service concepts, generate creative marketing campaigns, and design personalized guest experiences that would be difficult to conceive without the aid of data analysis and pattern recognition.

Action Point: Combine AI-generated insights with human creativity to develop innovative solutions that address unmet guest needs and create memorable moments.

4.2 AI Empowering Human Empathy

AI can provide valuable insights into guest preferences, emotions, and behavior, enabling employees to deliver more empathetic and personalized service.

Action Point: Equip frontline staff with AI-powered tools that provide real-time insights into guest preferences and sentiment, allowing them to tailor their interactions and anticipate guest needs.

Action Point: Use AI to identify guests who may be experiencing difficulties or require special attention, enabling employees to proactively offer support and create a more caring and personalized experience.

4.3 AI Driving Operational Excellence to Free Up Human Potential

By automating routine tasks and optimizing operations, AI can free up human employees to focus on higher-value activities that require creativity, empathy, and interpersonal skills.

Action Point: Identify tasks that are currently performed manually but could be automated with AI, allowing employees to focus on more engaging and meaningful interactions with guests.

Action Point: Invest in training programs that help employees develop the skills needed to leverage AI effectively and focus on tasks that require human creativity and emotional intelligence.


5. Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Hospitality

The future of hospitality lies in a harmonious blend of human touch and artificial intelligence. By embracing a Blue Ocean Strategy, the industry can leverage AI not just to improve efficiency but to create entirely new value propositions that redefine the guest experience.

AI should be viewed as a powerful tool that empowers human employees, enhances their capabilities, and allows them to focus on what truly matters: creating meaningful connections and delivering exceptional, personalized service that fosters lasting memories.

The journey will require a commitment to innovation, a willingness to experiment, and a deep understanding of both the potential and limitations of AI. By navigating these waters wisely, the hospitality industry can chart a course toward a future where technology and human ingenuity work together to create a truly remarkable and transformative guest experience.

The key is to remember that AI is not a replacement for human connection but rather an enabler of it, allowing the industry to reach new heights of creativity, personalization, and service excellence.

Contact me today to discuss how we can leverage AI to revolutionize your hotel and create a truly unique and unforgettable guest experience.

ARE MORCH
Founder and Digital Transformation & AI Coach

As an IBM Applied AI Professional, Prompt Engineering Specialist, and Google Cloud Data Analyst, Are specializes in guiding hotels through digital transformation and AI integration. By opening their digital front doors, reimagining processes and culture, and transforming guest experiences, Are empowers hotels to thrive in a fast-paced world without relying on online travel agencies.

In his free time, Are and his wife transformed abused and abandoned horses providing them a better opportunity to do what they were meant to do.

“To me hospitality, digital transformation and AI are art. It is like a painter that uses a combination of colors to create a picture. And we will all have a unique perspective on how we view the finished product. The key is to bring out the commonalities that tell us that this is an experience we want to share with others.”

 

CONTENT

Solutions for the Planet

Water

Water Conservation

Clean Water Access

Pollution Prevention

Climate Resilience & Water Security

 

Solutions for the Planet: Water-related Challenges

There are many solutions to address water-related challenges on our planet, focusing on conservation, purification, and sustainable management. Here are some key solutions:

1. Water Conservation

Efficient irrigation: Drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting for agriculture.
Leak detection & repair: Reducing water loss in municipal systems.
Smart water meters: Encouraging responsible consumption in households.
Drought-resistant crops: Reducing water usage in farming.

2. Clean Water Access

Desalination: Using energy-efficient technologies to convert seawater to freshwater.
Rainwater harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for use in dry regions.
Portable water filters: Providing clean drinking water in remote or disaster-stricken areas.
Decentralized purification systems: Small-scale water treatment in rural areas.

3. Pollution Prevention

Wastewater treatment: Advanced filtration and natural treatment solutions.
Microplastic reduction: Implementing better filtration in wastewater plants.
Industrial regulations: Enforcing laws to prevent factory waste in rivers and lakes.
Green infrastructure: Using wetlands and natural barriers to filter contaminants.

4. Climate Resilience & Water Security

Restoring watersheds: Reforesting and protecting natural water sources.
Flood management: Building smart drainage and retention systems.
Water recycling: Treating and reusing wastewater for non-drinking purposes.
Groundwater management: Preventing over-extraction to maintain aquifers.

The global water situation is becoming one of the most pressing issues of our time, with increasing challenges related to scarcity, pollution, and climate change. Over the next 50 years, water will become even more critical for human survival, economic development, and global stability. Here’s a broad analysis of the current and future water-related situation:

1. Current Global Water Situation (2025)

Water Availability & Scarcity

- 1 in 3 people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water.
- Over 2 billion people live in water-stressed regions, mainly in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
- Climate change is intensifying droughts and reducing freshwater availability.

Water Pollution

- 80% of wastewater is discharged untreated into rivers and seas.
- Plastic pollution in oceans is expected to triple by 2040.
- Agricultural runoff (fertilizers and pesticides) is a major source of contamination.

Groundwater Depletion

- Over-extraction for agriculture is causing aquifers to dry up (e.g., India, China, USA).
- Some groundwater sources may take centuries to replenish.

Climate Change & Water-Related Disasters

- More floods, hurricanes, and rising sea levels are displacing millions.
- Melting glaciers are reducing water supplies for major rivers (e.g., the Himalayas feeding South Asia).

2. Water Projections for the Next 50 Years (2025–2075)

Increased Water Scarcity

- By 2050, over 5 billion people may suffer from water shortages.
- The world’s demand for water is expected to increase by 30–50% due to population growth and economic development.
- Major cities (e.g. Cape Town, São Paulo, Beijing) may face "Day Zero" scenarios, where water runs out.

Water Wars & Geopolitical Tensions

- Countries sharing rivers (e.g., Nile, Ganges, Mekong) may face conflicts over water access.
- Water-rich countries might control supply, leading to economic and political leverage.

Technological & Policy Solutions

- Advanced desalination: Solar-powered desalination could provide more fresh water.
- Smart water management: AI and IoT-based solutions for efficient distribution.
- Circular water economy: Large-scale wastewater recycling for reuse.
- International cooperation: Global agreements for water-sharing and conservation.

Climate & Disaster Resilience

- Massive infrastructure projects: More reservoirs, flood barriers, and water storage facilities.
- Restoring ecosystems: Reforestation and wetland protection to manage water cycles.
- Resilient agriculture: Drought-resistant crops and precision irrigation.

3. The Future of Water – Scenarios

- Best-case scenario: Global investment in technology, sustainability, and policies ensure water security.
- Worst-case scenario: Mass migrations, wars, and economic collapse in water-scarce regions.
- Most likely scenario: A mix of crises and solutions, where wealthier nations adapt while poorer regions struggle.

 

Several global institutes and organizations are leading research, policy-making, and technological advancements in water management. Here are some of the most influential ones:

United Nations & International Organizations

UN Water
Coordinates global efforts on water and sanitation (Sustainable Development Goal 6).

World Bank – Water Global Practice
Funds water projects worldwide, especially in developing countries.

WHO (World Health Organization) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
Sets global health standards for water safety.

FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) – AQUASTAT
Monitors global water use for agriculture.

OECD Water Governance Initiative
Focuses on policies and regulations for sustainable water management.

Research Institutes & Think Tanks

Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)
Hosts the World Water Week and awards the Stockholm Water Prize.

Pacific Institute (USA)
Leading think tank on water sustainability and climate resilience.

International Water Management Institute (IWMI, Sri Lanka)
Researches agricultural water management, irrigation, and climate adaptation.

Water Research Foundation (USA)
Focuses on drinking water quality, treatment, and infrastructure.

Dutch Delta Programme (Netherlands)
Experts in flood management and coastal water resilience.

Universities & Academic Centers

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education (Netherlands)
The largest water education and research institute globally.

MIT Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (USA)
Focuses on innovative water technologies.

University of Oxford – Water Programme (UK)
Conducts research on water security and governance.

Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG, Switzerland)
Leading in water treatment and ecological water research.

Wageningen University (Netherlands)
Specializes in water management for agriculture.

Nonprofits & NGOs

Water.org
Founded by Matt Damon, focuses on providing access to safe water in developing countries.

Global Water Partnership (GWP)
A network promoting integrated water resources management.

International Rivers
Works to protect rivers and communities affected by dams and development.

WaterAid
Provides clean water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions globally.

Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)
Works with businesses to promote sustainable water use.

Innovation & Industry Leaders

Xylem Inc.
Develops advanced water technologies, including smart meters and treatment solutions.

Veolia Water Technologies (France)
One of the largest companies in water treatment and recycling.

SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions (France)
Specializes in desalination and wastewater management.

Grundfos (Denmark)
Leading pump manufacturer for water distribution and treatment.

Desalination Research Institute (Saudi Arabia)
Focuses on large-scale seawater desalination innovations.

Several leading global institutes focus on water research, policy-making, and technological advancements.

Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)
Renowned for expertise in water governance and organizing the annual World Water Week.

Deltares
A Dutch institute specializing in hydraulic engineering, water management, and geotechnics.

Columbia Water Center
Part of Columbia University, focusing on global water challenges, including scarcity and climate risks.

International WaterCentre
Provides education and training in integrated water management.

UNITAR's Global Water Academy
Offers capacity-building programs to address global water challenges.? Website:

World Water Academy
Focuses on practical training for water professionals worldwide.

Global Water Center
A collaborative hub for innovative water solutions and technologies.

 

 

Our Global Water Crisis, Explained.
by Our Changing Climate

In this Our Changing Climate environmental video essay, we look at our global freshwater crisis. Specifically, the video investigates how droughts in California and the Amazon lead to water scarcity for local residents, wildfires, and changing landscapes. These droughts are now exacerbated by climate change and will only make water scarcity and water access worse if drastic action is not taken to curb climate change. In addition, California's Central Valley shows clearly how agriculture can make droughts even worse by drawing unsustainable levels of water out of surrounding aquifers. The water crisis around the globe and in Central Valley has become so bad that many residents are forced to get bottled water because their tap or well water is contaminated or non-existent. In short, we're facing a global water crisis, a shortage of water that, if addressed through water conservation and climate change can be avoided.

 

 

Solutions for the Planet

Water: Water Conservation

Efficient irrigation: Drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting for agriculture.
Leak detection & repair: Reducing water loss in municipal systems.
Smart water meters: Encouraging responsible consumption in households.
Drought-resistant crops: Reducing water usage in farming.

 

How to Conserve Water
by National Geographic

The U.S could face a water shortage in a little over 50 years. See how Colorado College conserves water and how you can use these tips in your own life.

 

 

Solutions for the Planet

Water: Clean Water Access

Desalination: Using energy-efficient technologies to convert seawater to freshwater.
Rainwater harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for use in dry regions.
Portable water filters: Providing clean drinking water in remote or disaster-stricken areas.
Decentralized purification systems: Small-scale water treatment in rural areas.

Clean water for everyone - is it achievable?
by BBC World Service

17-year-old Joyce lives in a rural area of Rwanda, Africa. She's on a mission to find out what the barriers to accessing clean water are in rural communities - and the dangers a lack of access can create.

Solutions for the Planet

Water: Pollution Prevention

Wastewater treatment: Advanced filtration and natural treatment solutions.
Microplastic reduction: Implementing better filtration in wastewater plants.
Industrial regulations: Enforcing laws to prevent factory waste in rivers and lakes.
Green infrastructure: Using wetlands and natural barriers to filter contaminants.

 

7 Ways To Reduce Water Pollution (Eco-Friendly Lifestyle)
by Eco Bravo

In our latest video, we are going to show you 7 ways to reduce water pollution. If you enjoyed the video, make sure to click the like button to let us know.

Eco Bravo is a small, mother-and-daughter business, founded by Antoaneta Tsocheva and Dayana Nikolova, based in London. Both of us are very passionate about the current environmental situation and, over the years, we’ve managed to gather quite a lot of knowledge on the subject. We know full well how difficult finding the right products for your lifestyle can be, and we’re here to help.

 

 

Solutions for the Planet

Water: Climate Resilience & Water Security

Restoring watersheds: Reforesting and protecting natural water sources.
Flood management: Building smart drainage and retention systems.
Water recycling: Treating and reusing wastewater for non-drinking purposes.
Groundwater management: Preventing over-extraction to maintain aquifers.

REACH Improving climate resilience through water security in Africa
by OxfordSmithSchool

20 million people living in the Horn of Africa have been affected by a recent and severe cycle of droughts. Better seasonal forecasts for the Horn of Africa’s arid and semi-arid lands will help governments, businesses and individuals put plans in place to reduce climate risks. Researchers Dr Meron Teferi Taye (IWMI), Professor Daniel Olago (University of Nairobi), Dr Florence Tanui (University of Nairobi) and Dr Ellen Dyer (University of Oxford) from the REACH programme’s Turkana and Awash Basin observatories describe how REACH research is translating into policy and practice in the area, with commentary from the Governor of Turkana County, Hon. Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai.

 

 

CONTENT

Futurist Portrait

René Rohrbeck
EDHEC Chair

 

René Rohrbeck is Professor of Strategy and director of the chair for Foresight, Innovation and Transformation at the EDHEC Business School, France.
Before joining Aarhus University, he spent 6 years in the industry where he worked on innovation management at Volkswagen and on corporate foresight at Deutsche Telekom.

As a consultant he has served clients on a number of topics including designing innovation management systems, developing and implementing corporate foresight practices, and strategic and financial planning of new business fields.

He has worked both as a consultant and manager for companies from a wide range of industries, including automobile, oil & gas, pulp & paper, information & communication technologies (ICT) and energy.

He has authored the book “Corporate foresight – Towards a Maturity Model for the Future Orientation of a Firm”, in which he develops a benchmarking framework for assessing future orientation and describes best practices in corporate foresight.

His research has also been published in leading international journals such as Technological Forecasting & Social Change, Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, R&D Management and Global Business and Organizational Excellence.

 

 

How will AI impact strategic foresight? Dr. René Rohrbeck, EDHEC Chair @AI & Foresight Summit 2022
by Rohrbeck Heger

How will foresight strategies and scenario-based planning benefit from AI developments in the future? Will they help us respond to changes and prepare for various scenario outcomes ahead of time? Prof. Dr. René Rohrbeck sheds light on the future of AI and the influence it will have on strategic foresight and scenario planning.

Prof. Dr. René Rohrbeck is an expert in foresight and strategy. Apart from being the co-founder of Rohrbeck Heger, he is currently Professor of Strategy at EDHEC Business School as well as Chair for Foresight, Innovation and Transformation.

CONTENT

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