Predictions For The Future Of Society: Dr. Kjell Nordström's 3 Takeaways

In this episode of our New Ways: Leading in a Changed World Series, Pexip interviewed renowned Swedish economist and author, Kjell Nordström. His latest book, “Corona Express: An essay on time travel” explores how society has changed as a result of the pandemic.

The future looks urban, female and hot

Nordström states this with a twinkle.

According to Nordström, populations will gravitate to cities with probably 70 to 80 per cent of humanity living in urban environments. Cities will be the marketplace of the future.

At the same time, he believes climate change is here to stay for the rest of our lives and for several generations into the future.

“We also see how women now are changing the political agenda and the economic agenda, in almost all countries. This is like a movement and we shouldn't forget it's 50% of humanity that, in a way, are coming out… establishing themselves at the same level as men all around the world. This is as equally unstoppable as climate change.”

Look for attitudes, not knowledge

“Increasingly, we have built a planet where knowledge is all most freely accessible. It's ubiquitous,” Nordström explains.

“Now, that changes the agenda for any leader. Now you're looking for attitudes, not knowledge primarily. And that's 180 degrees the other way around as compared to what we did historically. Today, we're looking for attitudes. Yesterday, we were looking for knowledge and you're managing attitudes rather than a group of eggheads.”

The art of making money

Nordström concludes with the advice that the art of making money actually boils down to one and only one thing only -  creating a temporary monopoly.

"That's what business is about, to create that little monopoly position that might last for five years, or 10 years. You never know. It's temporary, but it should be a little monopoly that you own."

This episode was filmed with interviewer Ben Campbell in Adelaide, and Kjell Nordström in Stockholm, Sweden – using Pexip video to bring everyone together.

Discover more video interviews from our New Ways: Leading in a Changed World Series, where industry leaders share views on how to thrive in a changed world.