The International Center for Future Generations is a European think-and-do-tank for improving societal resilience in relation to exponential technologies and existential risks.
The International Center for Future Generations is a European think-and-do-tank for improving societal resilience in relation to exponential technologies and existential risks.
We live in the Exponential Age
Technological development moves exponentially: digital, biomedical and energy innovations are evolving at an ever increasing speed. It is unclear how these breakthroughs will alter the lives of people, influence cultures and impact communities. On the one hand, there are major advances working towards universal access to clean energy, global connectivity and improved standards of living. On the flip side, deployment of new technologies in the absence of effective, value-based governance systems comes at a high price: the climate crisis, unaccountable monopolies and advanced (biological) weapons pose a major threat to humanity.
We aim for effective governance
Governments need to get up to speed with technological change. This is a prerequisite for effective, value-based governance systems. We focus on the science-policy interface providing democratic governments with the data and support they need to tackle challenges related to current and future technological progress. Political leaders can benefit greatly from scientific expertise to navigate the complex landscape of modern-day technology. It can help them decide which innovations to embrace and which ones to avoid.
We are a network organization
ICFG focuses on linking stakeholders and building partnerships: how else can we solve the major challenges of our time? We aim to be a neutral networking organization facilitating linkages and transmitting information required to tackle complicated problems. Linkages must be established between stakeholders from different sectors to come to more inclusive and hence, more effective solutions. Information must be easily accessible and comprehensible to serve broader audiences. Data and research can be translated into recommendations and eventually, policy outcomes.
Our commitment
The aim of ICFG is to improve the ability of democratic governments to deal with the challenges of the Exponential Age by enhancing their resilience and flexibility. We take a top-down approach connecting them with (scientific) networks of expertise and providing them with reliable information. Simultaneously, we take a bottom-up approach connecting them with social movements. This improves the public debate and endorses laws and solutions that are based on facts and fit with this exponential era. ICFG will back studies that look at the long-term effects of these policies on people and the planet. It will also support actions, laws and regulations that protect people’s rights and freedoms in rapidly changing societies. ICFG aims to realize its aim by being a devoted, positive, open and reliable partner. Our commitment is to ensure that every (human) being alive today as well as future generations can experience and enjoy life on Earth.
We live in the Exponential Age
Technological development moves exponentially: digital, biomedical and energy innovations are evolving at an ever increasing speed. It is unclear how these breakthroughs will alter the lives of people, influence cultures and impact communities. On the one hand, there are major advances working towards universal access to clean energy, global connectivity and improved standards of living. On the flip side, deployment of new technologies in the absence of effective, value-based governance systems comes at a high price: the climate crisis, unaccountable monopolies and advanced (biological) weapons pose a major threat to humanity.
We aim for effective governance
Governments need to get up to speed with technological change. This is a prerequisite for effective, value-based governance systems. We focus on the science-policy interface providing democratic governments with the data and support they need to tackle challenges related to current and future technological progress. Political leaders can benefit greatly from scientific expertise to navigate the complex landscape of modern-day technology. It can help them decide which innovations to embrace and which ones to avoid.
We are a network organization
ICFG focuses on linking stakeholders and building partnerships: how else can we solve the major challenges of our time? We aim to be a neutral networking organization facilitating linkages and transmitting information required to tackle complicated problems. Linkages must be established between stakeholders from different sectors to come to more inclusive and hence, more effective solutions. Information must be easily accessible and comprehensible to serve broader audiences. Data and research can be translated into recommendations and eventually, policy outcomes.
Our commitment
The aim of ICFG is to improve the ability of democratic governments to deal with the challenges of the Exponential Age by enhancing their resilience and flexibility. We take a top-down approach connecting them with (scientific) networks of expertise and providing them with reliable information. Simultaneously, we take a bottom-up approach connecting them with social movements. This improves the public debate and endorses laws and solutions that are based on facts and fit with this exponential era. ICFG will back studies that look at the long-term effects of these policies on people and the planet. It will also support actions, laws and regulations that protect people’s rights and freedoms in rapidly changing societies. ICFG aims to realize its aim by being a devoted, positive, open and reliable partner. Our commitment is to ensure that every (human) being alive today as well as future generations can experience and enjoy life on Earth.
Our priorities are set by science
Climate crisis
We need to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5℃. Simultaneously, the world needs to cope with a growing population and raise the living standards of many. Hence, scientists and policymakers also need to work on scenarios in case humanity does not manage to halt global warming. ICFG aims to identify and accelerate the implementation of climate crisis solutions by building public pressure, changing the political perception of lesser-understood, yet potentially valuable solutions and the risks of climate overshoot.
Technology and democracy
The (autonomous) capabilities of artificial intelligence systems and other technologies are expanding. Tech companies are becoming increasingly powerful as their business models benefit from the accumulation of data, technology, skills and capital. In the digital realm, a redistribution of power has taken place impacting public health and safety. The effect of these business models on societies remains unclear. ICFG aims to ensure the development and application of new systems and technologies are aligned with human rights and democratic values.
Biosecurity
Systemic pandemic risk mitigation and preparedness need to be enshrined in modern societies. COVID-19 has clearly shown our vulnerability to biological threats. Besides naturally occuring pandemics, there is also the threat of man-made disasters posed by deployment of biological weapons or laboratory leaks. Risk levels continue to increase due to the dual-purpose nature of technology. Innovations in synthetic biology and biotechnology can be used to cure and contaminate. ICFG seeks to improve the effectiveness of governance systems to mitigate biological threats.
Our priorities are set by science
Climate crisis
We need to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5℃. Simultaneously, the world needs to cope with a growing population and raise the living standards of many. Hence, scientists and policymakers also need to work on scenarios in case humanity does not manage to halt global warming. ICFG aims to identify and accelerate the implementation of climate crisis solutions by building public pressure, changing the political perception of lesser-understood, yet potentially valuable solutions and the risks of climate overshoot.
Technology and democracy
The (autonomous) capabilities of artificial intelligence systems and other technologies are expanding. Tech companies are becoming increasingly powerful as their business models benefit from the accumulation of data, technology, skills and capital. In the digital realm, a redistribution of power has taken place impacting public health and safety. The effect of these business models on societies remains unclear. ICFG aims to ensure the development and application of new systems and technologies are aligned with human rights and democratic values.
Biosecurity
Systemic pandemic risk mitigation and preparedness need to be enshrined in modern societies. COVID-19 has clearly shown our vulnerability to biological threats. Besides naturally occurring pandemics, there is also the threat of man-made disasters posed by deployment of biological weapons or laboratory leaks. Risk levels continue to increase due to the dual-purpose nature of technology. Innovations in synthetic biology and biotechnology can be used to cure and contaminate. ICFG seeks to improve the effectiveness of governance systems to mitigate biological threats.
Strategy
We believe in a collaborative approach to tackling threats to future generations. All our work departs from the following strategic elements in our execution planning.
Long-term Thinking
The ICFG is aware of the long-term nature of its mission, as there are no quick wins in this arena. Especially modern western societies have long forgotten the value of long-term thinking, meaning a paradigm shift is required to reinstil this way of thinking across nations.
Build Bridges & Collaborate
We will help build the bridge between the scientific consensus on exponential technology and existential risks and the hearts and minds of corporate and government leaders, policymakers, citizens and experts from philanthropic and security sectors. Furthermore, we believe large-scale multidisciplinary issues can only be tackled collaboratively, hence our focus on building and fostering long-term relationships.
Policies Are Crucial
Policy and legislation are crucial drivers for translating and incorporating change into societal systems. Change at scale therefore requires any changemaker to work closely together with law- and policymakers. Appropriately crafted legislation will have a profoundly positive effect on behavior at the reach and scale required. Our activities focus on a real-world, observable change in policies in the form of adoption of a new policy or modification of existing ones.
Top-Down + Bottom-Up
Our theory of change is that once the public believes that their actions in the present can and will positively influence the fate of their children and grandchildren, political consensus can follow. The inverse may also be true, as political decision- and policymakers more publicly prioritize the importance of long-term decision-making for the benefit of future generations, more citizens will be exposed to this line of thought. This combined approach of top-down and bottom-up is designed to trigger a flywheel effect to accelerate change.
Maximizing Impact
Our activities must always aim for a real-world, observable change in policies in the form of adoption of a new policy or modification of existing ones. Other acceptable outcomes to be considered acceptable could be significant changes in the practices of institutions that are important in setting or implementing cause-related policies.
Strategy
We believe in a collaborative approach to tackling threats to future generations. All our work departs from the following strategic elements in our execution planning.
Long-term Thinking
The ICFG is aware of the long-term nature of its mission, as there are no quick wins in this arena. Especially modern western societies have long forgotten the value of long-term thinking, meaning a paradigm shift is required to reinstil this way of thinking across nations.
Build Bridges & Collaborate
We will help build the bridge between the scientific consensus on exponential technology and existential risks and the hearts and minds of corporate and government leaders, policymakers, citizens and experts from philanthropic and security sectors. Furthermore, we believe large-scale multidisciplinary issues can only be tackled collaboratively, hence our focus on building and fostering long-term relationships.
Policies Are Crucial
Policy and legislation are crucial drivers for translating and incorporating change into societal systems. Change at scale therefore requires any changemaker to work closely together with law- and policymakers. Appropriately crafted legislation will have a profoundly positive effect on behavior at the reach and scale required. Our activities focus on a real-world, observable change in policies in the form of adoption of a new policy or modification of existing ones.
Top-Down + Bottom-Up
Our theory of change is that once the public believes that their actions in the present can and will positively influence the fate of their children and grandchildren, political consensus can follow. The inverse may also be true, as political decision- and policymakers more publicly prioritize the importance of long-term decision-making for the benefit of future generations, more citizens will be exposed to this line of thought. This combined approach of top-down and bottom-up is designed to trigger a flywheel effect to accelerate change.
Maximizing Impact
Our activities must always aim for a real-world, observable change in policies in the form of adoption of a new policy or modification of existing ones. Other acceptable outcomes to be considered acceptable could be significant changes in the practices of institutions that are important in setting or implementing cause-related policies.
Current programs
Movement and Advocacy Building
ICFG will focus on establishing connections with movements addressing challenges such as climate change, risk reduction in technology, and biosecurity. We will provide them with access to our network, experience, and insights, as well as funding if necessary.
Clean Baseload Energy
Changing the political perception of clean baseload power solutions such as nuclear power innovations, geothermal energy, and other technologies.
Climate Technology governance
Improving regulating technological adaptation measures to reduce climate vulnerability, such as CO2 removal from the atmosphere and (solar) geo-engineering to cool the planet.
Biotechnology governance
Enhancing EU governance on biotechnologies, bioweapons and risky-pathogen research oversight.
Advanced Technology governance
Ensuring technology advances while aligning its applications with the objectives and values of humans and of democracy.
Leveling the playing field
One of our cross-cutting programs is to level the playing field in the EU when it comes to lobbying, political expenditure, and other forms of influence aimed at creating – and often undermining – legislation intended to protect society from the detrimental impacts of technology.
Current programs
Movement and Advocacy Building, Climate Crisis, Biosecurity and Technology Governance are ICFG’s four main program areas. Cross-cutting activities and new explorations address issues of fundamental concern across the streams.
The goal of ICFG is to instill the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and rapidly build capacity and expertise around an emerging topic. This should lead to providing credible evidence and policy recommendations for identifying the implications and potential for future governance innovations.
Our theory of change asserts that there is significant potential for youth voices, leading academic and technical experts on issues, such as the Climate Crisis, Advanced Technology and Biosecurity to have a more notable and expedited impact on EU policy and practices than is currently the case.
Movement and Advocacy Building
ICFG will focus on establishing connections with movements addressing challenges such as climate change, risk reduction in technology, and biosecurity. We will provide them with access to our network, experience, and insights, as well as funding if necessary.
Clean Baseload Energy
Changing the political perception of clean baseload power solutions such as nuclear power innovations, geothermal energy and other technologies.
Climate Technology governance
Improving regulating technological adaptation measures to reduce climate vulnerability, such as CO2 removal from the atmosphere and (solar) geo-engineering to cool the planet.
Biotechnology governance
Enhancing EU governance on biotechnologies, bioweapons and risky-pathogen research oversight.
Advanced Technology governance
Ensuring technology advances while aligning its applications with the objectives and values of humans and of democracy.
Leveling the playing field
One of our cross-cutting programs is to level the playing field in the EU when it comes to lobbying, political expenditure, and other forms of influence aimed at creating – and often undermining – legislation intended to protect society from the detrimental impacts of technology.
Some of our partners
Some of our partners
About
Founders
Steven Schuurman
Bio
Steven is an internationally acclaimed high-tech entrepreneur and CEO. He is best known for founding two of the most successful open-source software companies in history, SpringSource (acquired by VMware in 2009) and Elastic. Elastic’s October 2018 IPO was described on the New York Stock Exchange as one of the most successful launches in the past 20 years. In 2014, Steven co-founded the Hollywood-based media and entertainment company Atlantis Entertainment. Steven is also the founder and chairman of the Future NL foundation and is on the board of the Rijksmuseum.
Laurens de Groot
Bio
Laurens is a social tech entrepreneur and environmental activist. After almost a decade with the Dutch police, he started campaigning against poaching of endangered species. He battled against illegal whaling in Antartica and rhino poachers in Africa. To generate more impact, Laurens also founded a number of innovative companies. He co-founded Skycap, a drone company specialized in environmental inspections, Silverback Protein and Smart Parks which provides high-tech solutions for park management in rural areas, mostly Africa. In addition, he works in the Dutch House of Representatives, made various programs for Discovery Channel and is the author of the book ‘Hunting the Hunters’. In 2018, he received the Tech for Global Good Laureate from the Silicon Valley Museum of Innovation.
Board members
Cressida Pollock
Bio
Cressida Pollock is a purpose driven leader and deep generalist who has worked on implementing transformations across organizations and systems. She has advised national and multinational companies, governments and NGOs on strategic challenges and complex transitions.
Her current work focuses on the deployment of philanthropic and commercial capital to shift the current trajectory on climate change and build towards long-term sustainable economic systems.
She led Quadrature Climate Foundation during its initial three years from start up to established philanthropic grantmaker, establishing it as a leading institution in climate philanthropy with granting commitments of over $500m. Prior to that she was the Chief Executive of English National Opera where she led the rescue and turnaround of the company from 2015-2018. She has previously worked at McKinsey and was founding member of Somerset Capital Management, an emerging markets focused investment fund.
Cressida is a board member for the International Rescue Climate UK, the Climate Breakthrough Project, and is an Advisory Board member for the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment. She holds an undergraduate degree from Cambridge and an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Ian Goldin
Bio
Ian Goldin is Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford, Professional Fellow at Balliol College, Oxford University, and from 2006 to 2016 was the founding Director of Oxford University’s interdisciplinary Oxford Martin School.
He currently leads the Oxford Martin research programs on Technological and Economic Change, Future of Work and Future of Development. From 2001 to 2006 Ian was Vice President of the World Bank and the Group’s Director of Policy and Special Representative at the United Nations. From 1996 to 2001, he was economic advisor to President Mandela and the Chief Executive of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), transforming it to become the largest investor in infrastructure and over 500 municipalities in the 14 countries of Southern Africa.
Previously, Ian served as Principal Economist at the EBRD and as the Director of Programmes at the OECD Development Centre. He has an MSCs from the London School of Economics and an MA and Doctorate from the University of Oxford.
Ian has been knighted by the French Government and received numerous awards. He has published over 60 journal articles and 23 books. His most recent is Rescue: From Global Crisis to a Better World. His previous books include Terra Incognita: 100 Maps to Survive the Next 100 Years, Age of Discovery: Navigating the Storms of our Second Renaissance and The Butterfly Defect: Why Globalization Creates Systemic Risks and What to Do, in which he in 2014 predicted that a global pandemic was the most likely cause of the next financial crisis. Other books include Development: A Very Short Introduction; and Is the Planet Full? He has authored and presented three BBC Documentary Series After The Crash; Will AI Kill Development? and The Pandemic that Changed the World.
Ian Goldin has provided advisory services to the IMF, UN, EU, OECD and over 100 Fortune 500 Companies and has served as a Non-executive Director on six globally listed companies, including as the Senior Independent Director and Chairing a wide rage of Board Committees. Ian is an acclaimed speaker at TED, Google Zeitgeist, WEF and other meetings and is Chair of the core-econ.org initiative to transform economics.
Steven Schuurman
Bio
Steven is an internationally acclaimed high-tech entrepreneur and CEO. He is best known for founding two of the most successful open-source software companies in history, SpringSource (acquired by VMware in 2009) and Elastic. Elastic’s October 2018 IPO was described on the New York Stock Exchange as one of the most successful launches in the past 20 years. In 2014, Steven co-founded the Hollywood-based media and entertainment company Atlantis Entertainment. Steven is also the founder and chairman of the Future NL foundation and is on the board of the Rijksmuseum.
About ICFG
Founders
Steven Schuurman
Bio
Steven is an internationally acclaimed high-tech entrepreneur and CEO. He is best known for founding two of the most successful open-source software companies in history, SpringSource (acquired by VMware in 2009) and Elastic. Elastic’s October 2018 IPO was described on the New York Stock Exchange as one of the most successful launches in the past 20 years. In 2014, Steven co-founded the Hollywood-based media and entertainment company Atlantis Entertainment. Steven is also the founder and chairman of the Future NL foundation and is on the board of the Rijksmuseum.
Laurens de Groot
Bio
Laurens is a social tech entrepreneur and environmental activist. After almost a decade with the Dutch police, he started campaigning against poaching of endangered species. He battled against illegal whaling in Antartica and rhino poachers in Africa. To generate more impact, Laurens also founded a number of innovative companies. He co-founded Skycap, a drone company specialized in environmental inspections, Silverback Protein and Smart Parks which provides high-tech solutions for park management in rural areas, mostly Africa. In addition, he works in the Dutch House of Representatives, made various programs for Discovery Channel and is the author of the book ‘Hunting the Hunters’. In 2018, he received the Tech for Global Good Laureate from the Silicon Valley Museum of Innovation.
Board members
Cressida Pollock
Bio
Cressida Pollock is a purpose driven leader and deep generalist who has worked on implementing transformations across organizations and systems. She has advised national and multinational companies, governments and NGOs on strategic challenges and complex transitions.
Her current work focuses on the deployment of philanthropic and commercial capital to shift the current trajectory on climate change and build towards long-term sustainable economic systems.
She led Quadrature Climate Foundation during its initial three years from start up to established philanthropic grantmaker, establishing it as a leading institution in climate philanthropy with granting commitments of over $500m. Prior to that she was the Chief Executive of English National Opera where she led the rescue and turnaround of the company from 2015-2018. She has previously worked at McKinsey and was founding member of Somerset Capital Management, an emerging markets focused investment fund.
Cressida is a board member for the International Rescue Climate UK, the Climate Breakthrough Project, and is an Advisory Board member for the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment. She holds an undergraduate degree from Cambridge and an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Ian Goldin
Bio
Ian Goldin is Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford, Professional Fellow at Balliol College, Oxford University, and from 2006 to 2016 was the founding Director of Oxford University’s interdisciplinary Oxford Martin School.
He currently leads the Oxford Martin research programs on Technological and Economic Change, Future of Work and Future of Development. From 2001 to 2006 Ian was Vice President of the World Bank and the Group’s Director of Policy and Special Representative at the United Nations. From 1996 to 2001, he was economic advisor to President Mandela and the Chief Executive of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), transforming it to become the largest investor in infrastructure and over 500 municipalities in the 14 countries of Southern Africa.
Previously, Ian served as Principal Economist at the EBRD and as the Director of Programmes at the OECD Development Centre. He has an MSCs from the London School of Economics and an MA and Doctorate from the University of Oxford.
Ian has been knighted by the French Government and received numerous awards. He has published over 60 journal articles and 23 books. His most recent is Rescue: From Global Crisis to a Better World. His previous books include Terra Incognita: 100 Maps to Survive the Next 100 Years, Age of Discovery: Navigating the Storms of our Second Renaissance and The Butterfly Defect: Why Globalization Creates Systemic Risks and What to Do, in which he in 2014 predicted that a global pandemic was the most likely cause of the next financial crisis. Other books include Development: A Very Short Introduction; and Is the Planet Full? He has authored and presented three BBC Documentary Series After The Crash; Will AI Kill Development? and The Pandemic that Changed the World.
Ian Goldin has provided advisory services to the IMF, UN, EU, OECD and over 100 Fortune 500 Companies and has served as a Non-executive Director on six globally listed companies, including as the Senior Independent Director and Chairing a wide rage of Board Committees. Ian is an acclaimed speaker at TED, Google Zeitgeist, WEF and other meetings and is Chair of the core-econ.org initiative to transform economics.
Steven Schuurman
Bio
Steven is an internationally acclaimed high-tech entrepreneur and CEO. He is best known for founding two of the most successful open-source software companies in history, SpringSource (acquired by VMware in 2009) and Elastic. Elastic’s October 2018 IPO was described on the New York Stock Exchange as one of the most successful launches in the past 20 years. In 2014, Steven co-founded the Hollywood-based media and entertainment company Atlantis Entertainment. Steven is also the founder and chairman of the Future NL foundation and is on the board of the Rijksmuseum.
Foundation
Statutory name: Stichting International Center for Future Generations
EU Transparency Register number: 272220943026-70
Dutch Chamber of Commerce number: 82190720
Fiscal (RSIN) number: 862370279
Policy Plan 2021-2025: (Download PDF)
Privacy Statement: (Download PDF)
Stichting ICFG has been designated as a Public Benefit Organization (ANBI) by the Dutch tax authorities.
Foundation
Statutory name: Stichting International Center for Future Generations
EU Transparency Register number: 272220943026-70
Dutch Chamber of Commerce number: 82190720
Fiscal (RSIN) number: 862370279
Policy Plan 2021-2025: (Download PDF)
Privacy Statement: (Download PDF)
Stichting ICFG has been designated as a Public Benefit Organization (ANBI) by the Dutch tax authorities.
Careers
Build a career you love and make a difference
If you want to be part of a rapidly expanding organization, grow how (and where) you want to … and are committed to making a difference for future generations, then check out our open roles here.
Careers
Build a career you love and make a difference
If you want to be part of a rapidly expanding organization, grow how (and where) you want to … and are committed to making a difference for future generations, then check out our open roles here.
Contact
Rotterdam office (HQ)
Stationsplein 45
3013 AK Rotterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: info@icfg.eu
Phone: +31 (0)6 422 99 727
Amsterdam office
Prinsengracht 769
1017 JZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Brussels office
Avenue des Arts 44
1040 Brussels
Belgium
Registered office
(for legal purposes only)
Hof van Zevenbergen 1A
5211 HB ‘s-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands
Contact
Rotterdam office (HQ)
Stationsplein 45
3013 AK Rotterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: info@icfg.eu
Phone: +31 (0)6 422 99 727
Amsterdam office
Prinsengracht 769
1017 JZ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Brussels office
Avenue des Arts 44
1040 Brussels
Belgium
Registered office
(for legal purposes only)
Hof van Zevenbergen 1A
5211 HB ‘s-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands
Contact
Rotterdam office (HQ)
Stationsplein 45
3013 AK Rotterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: info@icfg.eu
Phone: +31 (0)6 422 99 727
Contact
Rotterdam office (HQ)
Stationsplein 45
3013 AK Rotterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: info@icfg.eu
Phone: +31 (0)6 422 99 727