Ecosystemic Futures

Dyan Finkhousen: CEO of Shoshin Works
Ecosystemic Futures

Ecosystemic Futures engages with the world’s elite thought leaders who are researching and leading meaningful development in areas that could impact society in the next half century. Provided by Shoshin Works in collaboration with NASA Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project - Ecosystemic Futures explores technological advances and structural patterns that will help us better innovate, operate, and navigate in our increasingly connected world. Join the conversation as NASA leaders, and industry and policy luminaries share their perspectives with host Dyan Finkhousen, a leading strategist and global authority on ecosystemic solutions, and brilliant co-hosts.

  1. -2 J

    83. Anticipating the Curve: Strategic Ecosystem Navigation in Transitional Economies

    Is your organization built for a world where 90% of organizational value now comes from intangibles? Rita McGrath explores why traditional hierarchies are dissolving into ecosystem constellations. In this thought-provoking episode of Ecosystemic Futures, host Marco Annunziata welcomes Columbia Business School professor and strategy expert Rita McGrath to discuss how ecosystemic thinking can help organizations navigate major economic inflection points. Professor McGrath reveals how our economic ecosystem is undergoing a profound transformation. According to recent studies, intangible assets now account for 90% of S&P 500 market value, dramatically increasing from just 17% in 1975. This shift dissolves traditional organizational boundaries and creates new ecosystem models where "the unit of value creation is small teams or even individuals" connected in constellation-like networks rather than hierarchical structures. Highlights • Strategic inflection points represent moments when industry assumptions fundamentally shift, creating both opportunities and threats for organizations • Intangible assets now account for 90% of S&P 500 market value (up from 17% in 1975), transforming how value is created and captured • The "unit of value creation" is shifting from large corporations to ecosystem constellations of small teams and individuals • "Memories from the future" methodology helps leaders identify early warning signals of strategic inflection points before they fully materialize • AI-powered digital twins are revolutionizing supply chains, enabling organizations to model thousands of response scenarios to disruptions in minutes The conversation examines how interconnected global systems are being reshaped by dematerialization, with examples ranging from vertical urban farming projected to reach $35.8 billion by 2032 to Hyundai's revolutionary vertical car manufacturing facility in Singapore. Rita and Marco explore how AI-powered digital twins transform supply chain ecosystems, allowing companies like Kraft Heinz to model thousands of response scenarios to disruptions in minutes—a task that is impossible for human analysts. As one of the world's top-10 ranked management thinkers, Rita McGrath offers scientists, technologists, and forward-thinking executives a framework for identifying early ecosystem signals through "memories from the future"—a robust methodology for navigating the transition from our petroleum-based past to our digital, ecosystemic future where intangible investment has consistently outpaced tangible investment since 2008 across major economies. Guest: Rita McGrath, Best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and longtime professor at Columbia Business School Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

    48 min
  2. 3 AVR.

    82. Nanotech Networks: Systems Thinking at Molecular Scale

    Could the next nanotechnology breakthrough come from a college student's laptop rather than a million-dollar lab? In this Ecosystemic Futures episode, Marco Annunziata speaks with Dr. Aaron Santos, physicist and president of DNP123 Company. Santos examines nanotechnology as complex molecular networks rather than isolated components. Santos explains why physics fundamentally changes at nanoscale, requiring new paradigms. Despite predictions in the 1990s of a trillion-dollar nanotechnology industry by 2015, the field evolved differently—with mRNA vaccines and semiconductor advances representing "hidden successes" that power other technologies without the nanotech label. The conversation details how cloud laboratories and AI tools are breaking the million-dollar equipment barrier, thereby creating a research ecosystem that was previously impossible. Santos argues that nanotechnology exemplifies emergent properties in complex systems, where the collective behavior of simple molecules creates sophisticated functions—a model future nanotechnology will follow rather than the "smart nanobots" of science fiction. This extends to broader implications for society, economics, and consciousness in a world where atomic-scale manipulation reshapes our understanding of scarcity.   Highlights: Scale Physics: Surface area (L²) vs. volume (L³) scaling transforms force dominance at nanoscaleEmergent Properties: Complex protein networks outperform theoretical discrete nanobotsResearch Infrastructure: Cloud labs democratize physical experimentation Network Theory Applications: Mathematical frameworks apply across nanoscale and macroscale systems Research-to-Market Gap: Critical funding void between academic research and commercial products Santos demonstrates why network approaches now replace reductionist models across scientific domains. Guest:  Dr. Aaron Santos, physicist and president of DNP123 Company Host:  Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

    46 min
  3. 25 MARS

    81. The Space-Earth Ecosystem: How Orbits Shape Our Future

    In this enlightening episode of Ecosystemic Futures, Shelli Brunswick, CEO & Founder of SB Global LLC and former Chief Operating Officer of Space Foundation, reveals the measurable impact of space innovation on Earth's most pressing challenges. The numbers tell a compelling story: The global space economy, valued at $630 billion in 2023, is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, with NASA's investments yielding a remarkable 40:1 return through commercialized technologies. Brunswick shares research showing how orbital technologies drive innovation across sectors, with the average person connecting to satellites 45 times daily without realizing it. Highlights: Quantifiable impacts of Earth observation satellites on agricultural productivity, including 10% yield increases through precision farmingThe economic case for orbital debris management and in-space manufacturingResearch regarding microgravity's effects on medical innovations, including LambdaVision's 3D-printed protein-layered lens replacements for macular degenerationData-driven approaches to international space collaboration and fractional satellite ownership models for emerging space nationsMetrics-based workforce development strategies for the space economy For researchers, business strategists, and innovation leaders, this episode provides critical insights into how space-derived technologies are transforming our approach to sustainability, economic development, and global collaboration. Guest:  Shelli Brunswick, Former U.S. Air Force Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Space Foundation | CEO & Founder of SB Global LLC Host:  Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

    55 min
  4. 18 MARS

    80. Orchestrating Ecosystems: Creating Harmonious Innovation

    In this eye-opening episode of Ecosystemic Futures, hosts Marco Annunziata and Vikram Shyam welcome Dr. Giulia Ajmone Marsan, Head of Startups and Inclusion, at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia. Dr. Marsan challenges conventional wisdom about innovation with complex data. In just 20 years, the global share of patenting activity from OECD countries has dropped dramatically by 20 percentage points, signaling a significant shift in the geography of innovation. The conversation highlights how emerging markets are becoming powerful engines of innovation. Dr. Marsan provides fascinating examples of innovation born from necessity, including Southeast Asian fintech "super apps" that have brought banking to millions of previously unbanked individuals, Estonia's digital government revolution built from scratch after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and Brazil's central bank-led open banking policy that has sparked a fintech transformation. Dr. Marsan explains how the absence of legacy infrastructure often becomes an advantage, allowing emerging economies to leapfrog directly to cutting-edge solutions. She discusses the phenomenon of "Silicon Bali," where digital nomads are transforming tourism-dependent economies into knowledge hubs. She examines how talent mobility, diaspora connections, and targeted visa programs are reshaping global innovation ecosystems. The conversation also addresses the critical balance between opportunity and inequality, exploring how innovation can advance sustainable development goals while requiring thoughtful policy to ensure benefits are widely shared. Highlights • Shifting Innovation Geography: Patent activity from OECD countries dropped 20 percentage points in just two decades, with innovation hotspots emerging across Southeast Asia, India, Brazil, and Africa • Financial Inclusion Revolution: How Southeast Asian super apps evolved from retail platforms to provide e-wallets, microloans, and microinsurance to previously unbanked populations • The Leapfrog Advantage: Countries without legacy infrastructure (like Estonia after the Soviet collapse) can build more innovative systems from scratch • Talent Mobility as Catalyst: The rise of "Silicon Bali" and how entrepreneurship visas and digital nomad programs are reshaping local economies • Digital Public Infrastructure: India's and Brazil's government-led innovation initiatives that created open platforms for entrepreneurial growth Guest: Dr. Giulia Ajmone Marsan, Head of Startups and Inclusion of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia Hosts:   Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

    57 min
  5. 11 MARS

    79. Biology as Technology: Advanced Biosystems for Space Exploration

    In this data-driven episode of Ecosystemic Futures, host Marco Annunziata interviews Dr. Tiffany Vora, a molecular biologist, Singularity Fellow in Biotechnology, and Vice President for Innovation Partnerships at ExploreMars. Drawing from her background in pharmaceutical research, teaching at Stanford University, and extensive work in space innovation, Dr. Vora examines how synthetic biology advances the development of specialized biosystems for space exploration. The discussion explores her recent publication "Space Synthetic Biology: A Paradigm for Sustainability on Earth and Beyond," detailing how technological convergence enables us to read, write, and engineer the source code of life with unprecedented precision. Dr. Vora presents research on how advanced biosystems can solve critical space exploration challenges through on-demand manufacturing of medicines, materials, and food. The episode offers actionable insights for leveraging genetic chassis organisms, flight-tested hardware for biological manufacturing, and shelf-stable reagents that deliver value for space missions and remote Earth locations. Dr. Vora outlines how these advanced biosystems can form the foundation of circular economies in space habitats where waste becomes valuable feedstock for new biological production cycles. Highlights DNA as Programming Language: Life on Earth stores information as A, C, T, and G—a biological code we can now read, write, and edit with precision for space applications.Advanced Genetic Chassis: Researchers are developing customizable biological platforms that can be optimized for Mars's unique conditions, including radiation, salinity, and reduced light.Space Bioeconomy: "Making it" versus "taking it"—creating on-demand medicines, materials, and food in space solves critical up-mass constraints for long-duration missions.Extremophile Inspiration: Organisms that thrive in nuclear waste, salt flats, and other extreme Earth environments provide genetic blueprints for space-hardy biological systems.Flight-Tested Biomanufacturing: Developing hardware that enables small-batch, reproducible biological manufacturing in space environments has applications for both Mars missions and remote Earth locations.Circular Biosystems: Engineering biological processes where waste becomes feedstock for new materials and creates sustainable closed-loop systems essential for long-duration space habitation. Join us for this exceptional discussion. Guest: Dr. Tiffany Vora, Singularity Fellow in Biotechnology, and Vice President for Innovation Partnerships at ExploreMars Host: Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

    55 min
  6. 4 MARS

    78. The Wisdom Bridge: Ancient Practices for Digital Ecosystems

    In this fascinating episode of Ecosystemic Futures, host Marco Annunziata interviews Himanshu Bharadwaj, a design strategist who applies cognitive science principles from Eastern traditions to modern digital ecosystems. Trained at the National Institute of Design and Syracuse University, Bharadwaj presents empirical observations on how his Joyful Design methodology measurably improves innovation outcomes and team performance. The discussion examines the quantifiable limitations of current AI systems in replicating human consciousness, contrasting computational pattern recognition with the neurological cross-connections that drive human creativity. Bharadwaj references research on widespread workplace burnout (25% of Americans now take antidepressants) and presents case studies of ancient mind-training techniques that have transformed organizational systems. The episode offers actionable frameworks for ecosystem architects to integrate these evidence-based approaches into their design processes. It specifically emphasizes how changing brain physiology through targeted interventions can enhance divergent thinking, problem-solving capacity, and ecosystem resilience. Highlights Information vs. Intelligence: Bharadwaj distinguishes between information (data collection), knowledge (processing), and intelligence (creative application with intuition).AI's Creative Gap: Current AI lacks neural cross-connections between disparate ideas and subjective awareness ("the AI in AI").The Incompleteness Principle: External systems remain perpetually incomplete, while inner development provides the completeness that enhances external effectiveness.Neurological Enhancement: Targeted meditation and reflection techniques demonstrably alter brain physiology to improve creativity and leadership.Evolutionary Limitations: Workplace innovation suffers from primitive threat-detection circuits; specific interventions help activate higher functions.Science-Philosophy Convergence: Quantum physics discoveries are bridging the historical gap between scientific and philosophical understanding of reality. Join us for this exceptional discussion. Guest: Himanshu Bharadwaj, experienced design and strategy leader with a unique blend of Design Thinking, business strategy, and cognitive science. Host:  Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

    44 min
  7. 19 FÉVR.

    77. The Health Dividend: How Organization Wellness Pays 3X Returns

    What's the measurable return on organizational health? Through rigorous assessment frameworks and 25 years of transformation data, former IBM Change Leader Dr. Donna-Marie Arias quantifies the dividends of workplace wellness. She unpacks a landmark case study: a troubled global financial institution's 3.5-year journey to becoming an industry health leader, demonstrating how organizational wellness compounds into market performance. Beyond McKinsey's research showing 3x performance gains, Dr. Arias reveals the metrics that matter - from diagnostic frameworks to retention patterns tied to manager relationships. Discover the science behind Guatemala's world-leading collaborative culture, how AI adoption impacts organizational vitals, and what drives sustainable returns across finance, technology, and education sectors. Highlights ROI Case Study: Quantified results from a 3.5-year financial organization transformationMeasurement Science: Analysis of 100+ diagnostic indicators across accountability, direction, coordination, control, and motivationPerformance Metrics: How organizational health assessments predict and track market outcomesCross-Industry Data: Comparative analysis across financial, educational, and technological sectorsCultural Intelligence: Measured impact of collaborative versus "I-centric" workplace approachesAssessment Framework: Scientific basis for 12-24 month measurement cycles with pulse monitoringRetention Analytics: Data-driven correlation between manager relationships and employee retentionHealth Indicators: Three measurable relationship factors driving organizational performance

    41 min
  8. 12 FÉVR.

    76. Advanced Air Mobility: Transforming Aviation Infrastructure & Urban Ecosystems

    Join host Marco Annunziata in conversation with Gloria Bouillon, distinguished aviation strategist and founder of Aviatrice Advisors, for a critical discussion on one of the nation's most strategic infrastructure opportunities. As global competition in advanced air mobility intensifies, the U.S. faces a pivotal moment in transforming its aviation infrastructure and urban transportation systems. From electric vertical takeoff vehicles to autonomous systems, we discover how emerging technologies can reshape our national airspace while creating new economic opportunities across regions. Learn how airports are evolving beyond traditional transportation hubs to become strategic assets driving regional development and competitiveness. This timely discussion explores the intricate balance between rapid technological innovation, infrastructure development, and community engagement - offering crucial insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders shaping America's aviation future.   Highlights The urgent need for transformation in our advanced air mobility technologies and infrastructureMulti-stakeholder collaboration in aviation developmentBalancing innovation speed with regulatory requirementsAirport management and economic developmentInfrastructure funding and revenue generationEnergy challenges and sustainability considerationsPublic-private partnerships in aviationFuture trends in urban air mobility  Guest: Gloria Bouillon - Aviation strategist, airport development expert, and founder of Aviatrice Advisors, with extensive experience in both public and private sectors Host:  Marco Annunziata, Co-Founder, Annunziata + Desai Partners Series Hosts: Vikram Shyam, Lead Futurist, NASA Glenn Research Center Dyan Finkhousen, Founder & CEO, Shoshin Works

    41 min
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À propos

Ecosystemic Futures engages with the world’s elite thought leaders who are researching and leading meaningful development in areas that could impact society in the next half century. Provided by Shoshin Works in collaboration with NASA Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project - Ecosystemic Futures explores technological advances and structural patterns that will help us better innovate, operate, and navigate in our increasingly connected world. Join the conversation as NASA leaders, and industry and policy luminaries share their perspectives with host Dyan Finkhousen, a leading strategist and global authority on ecosystemic solutions, and brilliant co-hosts.

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