As a Futurist, my role is toexplore new ideas and challenge conventional thinking, even when those ideas may seem unpopular at first glance.
Today, I want to introduce youto a concept that has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about work, currency, and general well-being: Guaranteed Income (GI).
This is not a bad word.
In the face of rapidtechnological advancements and societal shifts, the future of work is undergoing a profound transformation. Traditional notions of education, careers, and housing are being disrupted, leaving many individuals and communities vulnerable to obsolescence. It is our responsibility to proactively address these challenges and seek innovative solutions.
HistoricalPrecedent
The idea of GI is not entirelynew. During the Great Depression, the United States government recognized the value of supporting musicians and artists who were struggling financially due
to the economic downturn. In response, the government implemented a program that provided financial assistance and opportunities for these individuals to continue their creative work.
This initiative was aprecursor to the development of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA),
which was established in 1965. The NEA is a federal agency that supports and funds artistic projects, initiatives, and organizations across the United States. It recognizes the importance of the arts in enriching communities, fostering creativity, and contributing to the overall well-being of society.
These initiatives demonstratethe value of investing in human capital and recognizing the contributions of
all members of society, regardless of their economic status.
Current Examples of GI in Action
Saudi Arabia provides acompelling example of how GI can be implemented on a national scale. The
Kingdom has established a comprehensive social security system that offers a range of benefits to employed and self-employed residents, including medical care, childcare, pensions, unemployment benefits, and in some cases, housing and disability benefits.
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The Saudi Arabia Statutory and Private Employee Benefits Overview highlights the extensive support provided by the government. The Ministry of Labor provides general supervision, while the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) administers the various social welfare programs.
While the specific circumstances of Saudi Arabia may differ from other nations, this case study
demonstrates the feasibility and potential impact of implementing GI programs on a large scale. It showcases the possibility of providing a comprehensive safety net for citizens, ensuring access to essential services and support, and promoting a decent standard of living for all.
The Future of GI
As we look to the future, the concept of GI becomes increasingly relevant. With the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and other disruptive technologies, the nature of work is undergoing a profound shift. Many traditional jobs and industries are at risk of becoming obsolete, leaving individuals and communities in need of new forms of support.
Moreover, it is important to recognize the role that humans have played in training AI systems. As we interact with technology in our daily lives, we are constantly providing data and feedback that is used to improve and refine AI algorithms.
NOT AN AD - EXAMPLE
This ongoing process ofhuman-AI collaboration has been instrumental in driving the development of
increasingly sophisticated and capable AI systems.
However, the value of thishuman contribution is often overlooked and uncompensated.
Just as the discovery of a platinum-rich asteroid could potentially generate vast wealth to fund GI programs, the data and insights provided by humans in training AI systems represent a significant source of value that should be recognized and rewarded.
Imagine a future where the wealth generated from space mining or the monetization of human-generated data is used to fund GI programs, providing a foundation for personal and societal growth.
By acknowledging the role of humans in shaping the future of technology and mensuring that the benefits of these advancements are distributed equitably, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
In my upcoming blog posts, I will delve deeper into the future of work and the need for GI.
We will explore the potential of space mining and the value of human contributions to AI development as means of generating wealth to fund GI programs. We will also examine the case for compensating individuals for their ongoing training and skill development, and the importance of proactively planning for workforce obsolescence.
In the meantime, I encourage you to consider my Imagination Leadership Workshop as a valuable resource for developing the skillsand mindset necessary to navigate the future of work. This immersive experience will empower you to identify specific challenges, build concrete action plans,
and tap into the power of collective intelligence to shape a brighter future.
The future is ours to create.Let us embrace the possibilities and work together to build a world where
EVERYONE has the opportunity to thrive.
