# Future Scenarios

Hyper Island | December 2024


## Thriving villages

Self-sufficient local communities build sustainable systems, thriving through circular economies and localized innovation.


### World building

By 2035, a world of thriving villages emerges, where decentralized, self-sufficient communities flourish. This future is driven by localized governance, circular economies, and advanced technologies tailored to small-scale systems. These villages are resilient, adaptive, and deeply connected to their natural and cultural environments. They exemplify a harmonious balance between local autonomy and global knowledge sharing.

**Socioeconomic landscape**
- Urban migration reverses as rural areas and small towns become hubs of opportunity, culture, and innovation. People consciously seek out the villages that are aligned with their values.
- Thriving villages operate circular economies:
- Local industries: craftsmanship, 3d-printer-powered small-scale manufacturing, regenerative farming
- Trade networks: trade surplus goods and services with neighboring communities and occasionally tap into global markets for specialty items
- Comunity ownership
- Cooperative ownership models with residents collectively managing energy grids, farmlands, and water systems.

**Governance and decision-making**
- Decentralized democracy
- Villages run on participatory governance systems, where all residents have a voice. (liquid democracy to easily delegate to trusted delegates?)
- Collective action enables villages to better policy recognition and negotiate better trade terms (scale of economics, buying in bulk).
- Legal Frameworks
- National governments adopt laws protecting village autonomy, enabling them to self-govern while adhearing to overarching environmental and human-rights standards.

**Technological Innovations**
- Localized Energy Systems
- Villages are powered by renewable microgrids combining solar, wind, and biogas technologies.
- Energy storage innovations like advanced batteries ensure 24/7 power availability. (ex. Tesla home batteries)
- Smart Farming
- AI-powered sensors to monitor soil health, water, crop needs, enabling high-yield and sustainable agriculture
- Drones, IoT sensors, AI to make sense of data and pattern matchin
- Digital Connectivity
- Global knowledge-sharing platforms (similar to Github but for other kinds of information like blueprints for water purification, vertical farming, DIY medical devices, 3d printing models)
- Social and Cultural life
- Education
- Holistic education systems integrated with different aspects of village life, combining practical skills with access to global knowledges-sharing platforms.
- Healthcare
- Decentralized healthcare systems (see Barefoot Doctors in China)
- Cultural life
- Collaborative creativity with shared spaces for art and crafts
- Dynamic lifestyles
- Citizens engagement and contribution is fluid, adapting to life stages and circumstances, often through a combination of roles

Regional governments pass "Local Soverignty Acts" that grant villages control over land use, energy grids, and educational systems.

Local governance and coordination around decision-making via blockchain technologies and AI systems to find patterns in proposals and the will of the community.

Villages use local cryptocurrencies to facilitate trade and reduce reliance on national currencies. Local trade from nearby farms and businesses are incentivized and encouraged.

A network of "Learning Hubs" and "Maker Spaces" in villages combine traditional knowledge with modern sustainability pracitices and technological/digital tools, co-developed by residents.

Open-source AI-powered farming drones to monitor soil health, optimize crop yields, reduce manual labor.

Self-sustaining water cycles by harvesting rainwater, lakes, rivers to reduce dependence and increase resilience.

### Mapping to 9 Fundamental Human Needs

**Sustenance**: Regenerative farming, 3D-printed small-scale manufacturing, and renewable microgrids ensure food, energy, and shelter.

**Protection**: Cooperative governance models collectively manage health systems, energy grids, and savings, providing security.

**Affection**: Vibrant community life creates connections through shared spaces, partnerships, and deep bond with nature.

**Understanding**: Local learning hubs combine open-source knowledge with traditional wisdom to educate and empower.

**Participation**: Participatory governance systems, enhanced by blockchain, allow every resident to propose, vote, and delegate decisions.

**Idleness**: Shared spaces for art, play, and relaxation encourage creativity, humor, and joy.

**Creation**: Maker spaces and digital commons spark innovation, enabling residents to build, design, and co-create.

**Identity**: These communities emphasize belonging, self-expression, and alignment with personal values.

**Freedom**: Autonomous governance and local currencies empower individuals to shape their lives and communities.