Imagined Future Scenarios
Quantum Computing, Probable Futures, Short Term (1 - 3 years)
Scenario Generated from 'Prediction: 2025 is the year quantum computing advances from physical qubits to logical qubits' - TechRadar
Future Arc and Implications
Grow Arc
Social Impact: Increased scientific breakthroughs and new technologies lead to societal advancements and improved quality of life for a growing population.
Technological Impact: Quantum computing proliferates, driving exponential advancements in materials science, medicine, and artificial intelligence.
Ecological Impact: Quantum simulations aid in developing sustainable solutions, but increased energy consumption offsets some gains.
Economic Impact: New industries emerge around quantum computing, creating wealth but exacerbating existing economic inequalities.
Political Impact: International competition for quantum technology dominance shapes global power dynamics.
Narrative: Global growth fueled by quantum computing leads to unprecedented prosperity but also heightened inequalities and environmental pressures.
Collapse Arc
Social Impact: Social unrest and instability arise from resource scarcity and economic inequality exacerbated by uneven access to quantum technologies.
Technological Impact: Quantum computing development stalls due to resource constraints and lack of infrastructure, leading to technological regression in other fields.
Ecological Impact: Environmental damage worsens due to lack of investment in sustainable solutions, made worse by the collapse of relevant research.
Economic Impact: Global economic recession and widespread unemployment result from the failure of critical systems.
Political Impact: Political instability and conflict arise from competition over dwindling resources; governments collapse.
Narrative: Failure to manage quantum computing's development leads to a resource crisis and societal breakdown.
Discipline Arc
Social Impact: Societal equity and environmental sustainability are prioritized through planned allocation of quantum computing resources.
Technological Impact: Quantum computing is strategically developed and deployed by a central authority for the benefit of all citizens.
Ecological Impact: Environmental protection becomes paramount, and quantum computing is used to solve ecological problems efficiently.
Economic Impact: A planned economy governs the management of quantum technology's output, ensuring equitable distribution of wealth.
Political Impact: A powerful, centralized government or international body strictly regulates quantum technology development and deployment.
Narrative: A globally coordinated effort utilizes quantum computing to solve pressing societal and environmental challenges under a strictly regulated system.
Transform Arc
Social Impact: A paradigm shift occurs as quantum computing leads to unprecedented understanding of consciousness and reality.
Technological Impact: Quantum computing unlocks revolutionary technologies that transcend our current understanding of physics, leading to profound changes.
Ecological Impact: A deep understanding of nature's fundamental processes enables the creation of harmonious human-nature interactions.
Economic Impact: Economic models are restructured based on a new understanding of value and resources, potentially leading to post-scarcity.
Political Impact: Traditional political structures may become obsolete as new forms of governance emerge based on shared understanding.
Narrative: A technological and societal transformation driven by quantum computing fundamentally alters human civilization and its relationship with the universe.
