An Interview with Futurist James Bellini

What will the next generation of technology make possible?

The emerging 'Internet of things' means everything will be connected intelligently to everything else. As this process matures billions of 'things' will interact with each other, bringing enormous changes to every aspect of the everyday routine -- how, where and when we work, socialise, innovate, consume and generally lead our lives.

How did the corporate speaking start?

In the 1970s, when still a young university teacher, I was asked to become the first UK staff member at the Hudson Institute, a futurology 'think tank' and held a senior position at their European HQ in Paris. In this role I was regularly invited to speak at conferences about our work and our scenario forecasts.

Can you remember your first speaking engagement?

Since I was a small child I have always been a good reader and speaker --so at the age of ten I would read sections of the bible to the congregation at my local church. In my adult working life my first speaking engagements would have been in college lecture theatres...

Which event has been your favourite and why?

A little while back I facilitated a high-level banking summit at the Datai hotel in Lankawi in northern Malaysia. It is the most stunning location and featured in a James Bond movie. Apart from this I also gave a keynote address in Buenos Aires using satellite links to other Argentine cities -- this created a total combined audience of over 14,000 people -- so I felt a bit like a rock star!