Governments should use speculative fiction tools to predict the future

Law-makers should act like speculative fiction authors and attempt to foresee how know-how will change our world, says author Ray Nayler

By Ray Nayler

RECENTLY, one thing so dystopian occurred that it appears worthy of a cyberpunk novel. A girl who was blind was given an implant that allowed her to see once more – after which, just a few years later, the implant failed, so she grew to become blind for a second time. Because the agency that invented the implant hit monetary troubles and stopped supporting its merchandise, there was nobody to assist. She nonetheless carries the lifeless implant in her eye, as surgical procedure to take away it will be too dangerous.

How this occurred is straightforward sufficient: tech corporations typically cease supporting their merchandise. Who is …