How science fiction could become fact

Feb 11 2010 by Stewart Watkins, The Journal

SPACE tour guides, weather modification police and avatar managers are just a few of the jobs our children could be doing in 20 years' time if a new report is to be believed.

Tomorrow’s economy is likely to look radically different to that of today, and the report, conducted by future researchers from Fast Future for the campaign Science: [So what? So everything], painted a vivid picture of what that future could look like.

It outlined how the economy is likely to be driven by future trends such as population growth, climate change and the continuing digital revolution, leading to a whole range of new employment sectors and jobs, from climate change reversal specialists to waste data handlers who will dispose of our electronic mess.

The implications may sound mind-boggling and the stuff of science fiction, but the fact that a number of these jobs already exist, indicate they may not be as way-out as they may first sound.

But whether or not these predictions are entirely correct, we must recognise that to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow we must capitalise on the scientific and technological breakthroughs being made today.

One of Europe’s leading science and technology parks is based here in the North East so we are fortunate to be at the very heart of this revolution.

The North East Technology Park (NETPark) in Sedgefield is home to some of the most progressive, cutting-edge companies in the country.

But to ensure that our region remains at the forefront of this technological revolution it will be essential to engage with and excite the next generation about the work being done there.

In the coming months NETPark will be increasingly looking to work more closely with local communities and schools to show the work that is being done on their doorsteps and show them ways they can be involved in its future.

With science and technology set to play a major part in our future economy, we must ensure the region is able to capitalise on its potential to develop in this sector.

NETPark is a valuable asset that we must exploit if we are to feel its full benefit in our region.

So whether or not tomorrow’s job market will be filled with vertical farmers and memory augmentation surgeons I couldn’t really say.

What I am confident about is that the North East will be well prepared for whatever the future has to throw at us.

Stewart Watkins is managing director of the County Durham Development Company