On technology and people: What we can learn from Stanislaw Lem

CORNELL University's research shows that science-fiction literature can be a key source of inspiration for researchers in the field of computing technology.

One such visionary whose ideas have been inspiring a new generation of innovators is Polish writer Stanislaw Lem - one of the most widely read science-fiction authors.

"I have seen the future" is the motto of Lem's 100th birth anniversary which is being celebrated this year in Poland and across the world.

In Singapore, Year of Lem was the backdrop of the discussion on technology cooperation between Poland and Singapore at a webinar hosted by SGInnovate.

The distinct value of Stanislaw Lem's works results from combining the science-fiction genre with a philosophical, scientific and ethical reflection on society experiencing effects of technological and civilisational progress.

In his many books, Lem successfully predicted the invention of the Internet, e-book reader and tablet, design of search engine and audiobook, 3D print, and many more.

His legacy proves that technological progress is not exclusively a question of scientific discoveries or developments in engineering; it starts, first and foremost with vision and creativity.

He also warned against the negative consequences of the unsupervised technological advancement of our world, signalling the risks of addiction among young people to virtual reality and technological novelties.

His futurological forecasts have a significant impact on defining the place of humanity in the universe and predicting its fate.

In places like Singapore which successfully strives to integrate newest technologies in daily lives, the human-centric approach to technology development becomes even more vital.

How to build a successful relationship between humans and artificial intelligence? What role ethics and legal solutions should play in this process? How to nurture responsible innovation leaders? These were just a few questions that were addressed at the webinar in Singapore, as artificial intelligence, robotics and smart city solutions are among the promising areas of bilateral cooperation, given Poland's strong IT sector and developing prominence as the next technology centre in Europe.

Forward-looking debates on the future of technology development, as well as 3D printing exhibitions, the library of the future and the Lem Game Room will be at the heart of the main celebrations of the Year of Lem at the ICE Krakow Congress Centre from Sept 12 to 14 this year.