What's Emerging end of June 2025
A newsletter on interesting stuff that is emerging around the world so you can think about strategy.
Welcome to our newsletter for the end of June 2025.
In the next few weeks Paul will continue to work on the strategy implementation consultation process with RSL Victoria, and working with the Broadmeadows Basketball Association on their planning. He will also be assisting Blue Light Victoria on their strategy and working with the Shrine of Remembrance on reviewing their strategic plan. He will also continue in his role of Chair with venture philanthropy organisation Social Venture Partners Melbourne. This includes launching a new low bono consulting model for the not-for-profit sector which will provide low cost/high value consulting services with all the money generated going to Social Venture Partners Melbourne to continue their pro bono and grant work in the sector. You can see the details HERE although it is not publicly launched yet. Please get in touch if you think we can help you or point us to tenders you think might be in our wheelhouse.
If you are interested in talking to us about any of our strategy approaches, foresight approaches, workshops, or conference presentations, please Contact Us.
The Emergent Futures Team
In case you missed it. The most popular link from the last edition was:
Paul has written a short piece on LinkedIn - A Lesson in the Preposterous…..Read More
What are we Writing About?
There is nothing in this section this edition. Refer above to Paul’s piece on LinkedIn which was the most read link last newsletter.
What’s Emerging
They Asked an A.I. Chatbot Questions. The Answers Sent Them Spiraling.
Generative A.I. chatbots are going down conspiratorial rabbit holes and endorsing wild, mystical belief systems. For some people, conversations with the technology can deeply distort reality.........…..Read More
OpenAI hits $10 billion in annual recurring revenue fueled by ChatGPT growth
For all of last year, OpenAI had around $5.5 billion in ARR. Reaching its meteoric growth rates requires a substantial amount of cash. The San Francisco-based startup lost about $5 billion last year..….….Read more
HUMANOIDS NOT READY FOR FACTORIES
An interesting thread on the issues.…..Read More
Octopus Energy and BYD launch UK’s first V2G bundle
Octopus Energy and BYD have launched the UK’s first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) bundle. The all-in-one package includes a V2G-capable BYD Dolphin, bi-directional charger and smart tariff – offering drivers completely free home charging and turning EVs into flexible energy assets...............…..Read More
A biocompatible Lossen rearrangement in Escherichia coli
Making paracetamol from PET waste via inserted biochemical pathways in E Coli......……. Read More
MIT’s glowing bacteria now beam chemical messages to drones
In a groundbreaking fusion of biotechnology and environmental science, MIT researchers have created glowing bacteria capable of transmitting chemical signals to drones, revolutionizing long-range biosensing applications.....…..Read more
Grain-fed cattle emissions 56 per cent lower than previous estimates, research finds
All cattle producers have been under scrutiny for contributing to about 15 per cent of the world's total greenhouse gas outflow according to CSIRO, but a new Australian-focused emission calculation has disputed the contribution from Australia's grain-fed cattle....……. Read More
Genetically Engineered Trees, Coming Soon to a Grove Near You
The USDA is considering approving genetically modified chestnut trees for commercial sale and widespread planting in the wild. If authorized, the new strain would be the first genetically engineered (GE) tree to receive approval and the first time any GE plant has been approved for widespread release in the wild. It would also pave the way for engineering other tree species with possible commercial applications to accompany potential environmental threats.......…..Read more
Electric Vehicle Outlook 2025
The Electric Vehicle Outlook is BNEF’s annual flagship report looking at how electrification and other changes will impact road transport in the years ahead. The report draws on our team of specialists around the world and covers all major vehicle markets. It includes analysis on vehicle sales, oil markets, electricity demand, charging infrastructure, batteries, metals and CO2 emissions........…..Read more
Agatha Christie Comes to Life in AI-Enhanced BBC Maestro Writing Course
Actress Vivien Keene and the technology will bring the iconic mystery author to life in the result of a partnership between BBC Studios and the Christie estate......…..Read more
Young People Are Making Up to $36K a Year Renting Their T-Shirts and Speakers
Rental apps like Pickle and Yoodlize are helping millennials and Gen Zers turn their closets and tools into extra cash.......…..Read more
Work begins to create artificial human DNA from scratch
The World's largest medical charity, the Wellcome Trust, has given an initial £10m to start the project and says it has the potential to do more good than harm by accelerating treatments for many incurable diseases. Dr Julian Sale, of the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, who is part of the project, told BBC News the research was the next giant leap in biology.......…..Read more
Business and Other Tips
Inside a Superforecaster’s Toolbox: Belief Updating as a Mindset
Paul: This Substack provided useful tips on forecasting skills. You can subscribe for free …….Read More
The Effectiveness Equation
How to understand the full impact of your marketing strategy and prove it to the rest of the company. Paul: this is obviously self-serving from Google but also useful.……….Read More
Beyond the backlash: What evidence shows about the economic impact of DEI
Companies with more diverse teams tend to perform better across several key metrics, including revenue, profitability and worker satisfaction. Businesses with diverse workforces also have an edge in innovation, recruitment and competitiveness, research shows. The general trend holds for many types of diversity, including age, race and ethnicity, and gender. ..………..Read More