Abstract

We identify many current and impending technologies that are likely to impact dramatically on most aspects of rural economy, society and environment, even in the short term. As a result, two of society’s major looming problems are (a) how best to accelerate the uptake of beneficial technologies while (b) helping individuals, communities or places damaged by the likely course of events – for example by updating people’s skill sets and revising their ambitions and preferences. The increasing problem for governments, communities and businesses alike is that we have limited knowledge of future economic and social trajectories driven by such technologies. Thus, traditional blue-print planning will be increasingly redundant and effective paths to the future will require intensive and inclusive debate and discussions surrounding best options which, along with strong leadership, will help fashion creative, flexible and adaptive cultures. Given geographical diversity in resources it is quite possible that emergent optimal strategies will vary from place to place.