Futurist Marcel Aberle: “We need to create a positive vision of the future.”

Mr Aberle, why do we need to go back to the future? 

Because right now, we’re surrounded by far too many negative images of the future. That’s harmful—both for our wellbeing and for society. Negative visions lead to withdrawal and protectionism, which is why we need to look forward again and ask: Where do we want to go? What’s possible? We need to create a positive vision of the future.  

Artificial intelligence will play a key role in the future of many businesses. Do they need a strategy for it? 

I believe what they really need is a strategy for the future—one that AI can unlock. Companies should ask themselves: Who will we be in this new AI-driven world? Of course, incremental innovation and efficiency gains through AI matter—but that’s not enough. We also need to think about entirely new products, services, and maybe even whole new industries that AI could create. That’s why we need a future strategy—a vision, a guiding light. The key questions are: Where do we want to go? What does the future look like for us?  

How do companies develop that vision?  

Together. We live in a complex, deeply interconnected world with major challenges.  To overcome them—or to realise big ideas—we need collaboration and combined strength. Superman won’t save us. We need the Avengers.

You say collaboration is key. And curiosity, too. Why? 

Because we need a hunger for progress. We’re in a supercycle—a massive phase of transformation. Many things no longer work, but new topics, options and opportunities are emerging and companies need to recognise that. We need to rediscover our appetite for the new, approach it playfully—like children do. What’s happening out there? What opportunities are opening up? We need to reignite that curiosity and then shape the future together.