Trends & Signals
By: John Dalton
Explore the latest insights, thought leadership, and research from FCAT®
The Upswing: Q & A with Robert D. Putnam
November 3, 2022
By many measures, Americans are more polarized than ever. Can we come together to solve our biggest social, economic and environmental challenges? After a recent Speaker Series event, legendary political scientist Robert D. Putnam shared some insights with FCAT's John Dalton on how America's past may hold the keys to its future. Robert D. Putnam is the Malkin Research Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University and a former Dean of the John F. Kennedy School of Government. He is also the author of “Bowling Alone” and more recently “The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again.”
Human Centered AI: Q & A with Ben Shneiderman
August 18, 2022
The remarkable progress in algorithms for machine and deep learning have opened the doors to new opportunities, and some dark possibilities. However, a bright future awaits those who build on their working methods by including human-centered AI strategies of design and testing. As many technology companies and thought leaders have argued, the goal is not to replace people but to empower them by making design choices that give humans control over technology. FCAT recently hosted University of Maryland Professor Ben Shneiderman as a guest of our Speaker Series. Shneiderman is a trailblazer in the field of human-computer interaction. He is credited with pioneering the use of clickable highlighted weblinks, high-precision touchscreen keyboards for mobile, devices, tagging for photos, and more. FCAT’s John Dalton was able to catch up with the professor for a brief Q&A.
Synthetic Biology: No Longer Life As We Know It?
May 10, 2022
Synthetic biology is the promising and controversial technology platform that combines biology and artificial intelligence, opening up the potential to program biological systems much as we program computers. FCAT recently hosted Amy Webb, founder of the Future Today Institute, and the author of “The Genesis Machine: Our Quest to Rewrite Life in the Age of Synthetic Biology,” where she discussed the science, and the ethical, moral, and religious issues surrounding synthetic biology. She was interviewed by John Dalton, VP, Research, in FCAT.
Life and Work Through the Anthropological Lens: A Q&A with Gillian Tett of the Financial Times
February 3, 2022
FCAT recently hosted a presentation by Gillian Tett, Chair of the Editorial board and Editor-at-Large, US, of the Financial Times. Her recent book, “Anthro-Vision: A New Way to See in Business and Life”, has just been published. Following her presentation, FCAT’s John Dalton caught up with Gillian to ask a few additional questions on how anthropology can be used effectively in navigating business and social trends.
How We Do Research
February 4, 2021
FCAT Research is a bet on the value of outside-in thinking, a rigorous analysis of external trends that we believe will have a dramatic impact on our business, our industry, and on the lives of our customers and associates. Our goal is to help Fidelity associates reimagine the future of our business. So where do we look for the most promising trends?