technofuturism

Technofuturism is a worldview and field of inquiry that examines how technological advances are likely to shape future societies, economies, and cultures. It emphasizes technology as a central driver of progress and systemic change, spanning science, engineering, policy, design, and ethics. Proponents assess how converging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, quantum computing, energy systems, and digital networks—could transform industries, governance, education, and daily life, while considering risks and governance needs.

Technofuturism is not a single doctrine but a broad spectrum that includes technoptimist policies, responsible innovation, and techno-progressivism. It often advocates proactive policy, investment in research and infrastructure, and human-centered design to maximize benefits and minimize harms. It is used in academic analysis, industry strategies, and media discourse to describe futures shaped by rapid technological change.

Key themes include exponential technology, convergence across domains, resilience, sustainability, and the ethics of deployment. The movement engages with questions of equity, privacy, safety, and democratic oversight, seeking pathways that align technological capability with social values.

Relation to other terms: it differs from cyberpunk's dystopian narratives and from transhumanism's emphasis on human enhancement; technofuturism focuses more on societal-scale transformation and governance through technology.

Critiques note that techno-centrism can overlook social and environmental costs, and emphasize the need for inclusive, accountable innovation.