BBC Focus Magazine

[James the futurist]

What do I see becoming reality?

The economics, as it appears quite simple in the way it is run. During the time of Dr Cochran it was a busted capitalist society, due to the results of a nuclear war that killed 500 million people. It's a cashless society. But it does not mean that governments do not get funded, and people do not get paid. Certainly people get paid in the Star Trek Universe as they own property. There must be a formulae that gives people a numerical worth based on what they do, their education etc, and this numerical worth becomes the means of exchange. I would imagine the price of goods is really low, as there is no staff overheads, except for owners of companies recieving thee pay by making the means of exchange worth something. Taxes must be really low too, yet again due to the fact that "government employess" have that numerical worth, that is their pay and means of exchange again. Such a system of economics, results in the level of healthcare, and technology seen in Star Trek.

Could such a system of economics replace our one today? Our current one is too Earthbound, and will unlikely to be able sustain an off world existence too. For instance say we have a permament presence on Mars, it is unlikely many Mars colonists will make the journey back to Earth, they would resent paying taxes to their parent governments. These Mars colonists would be in highly paid jobs but unable to spend their money. As the only way of getting any goods from Earth would be on the next cargo ship. A 10 dollar T-Shirt would cost many times that to ship to Mars.

[M Paul Lloyd]

I think we have to look to how some of the old Imperial colonies were run and how they made the painful transition to 'independence' (and the sad realisation that it was full of hollow promises and tin pot tyrants) for an insight into our space borne future economy James. Whilst land is still available on a first come first served basis money tends to take a back stage but once the limits are exceeded then the taxes have to be paid. I guess that as the universe is pretty big the limits are going take some exceeding and thus people could accrue 'credits' against property and possessions if they put in the hours with an organisation like the Federation but if you wanted to go it alone, well you just find a planet and plant a flag. Sortof.

[Shadowwolf]

I think planetary economics will follow the same path as international economics did, I would not foresee any significant changes in the capitalist system. There will still be trade, opportunities, local manufacturing, markets and taxes going somewhere whether that is Terra, the country responsible for the colony initially or an independent colonial government. It has all happened before and economies have adapted to the new opportunities made available; besides any viable, large scale colony capable of independent existence suggests a fairly well developed and consistent transport system, so costs will be down and those t-shirts not necessarily as dear as might be now.

Trek was hamstrung by Roddenberry's utopian vision, especially in the early seasons where some of the indications of future economics comes up where no one wants for anything and money no longer exists. By DS9 money quite clearly exists and it does appear as though the earlier unreal utopian stuff has been quietly put aside for the more familiar market economy.

[EzBloke]

Going into space without silly spacesuits!

We already can. We'd die, but we already can...

[Liam Sheppard]

I can see...

"computer:...

// YES LIAM \\

"Play me some music, from the baroque period, German if you will"

// AFFIRMATIVE \\

Cue soothing harpsichord music emanating from the very walls, that are made of a super thin vibrating speaker like material...

[EzBloke]

I can see...

"computer:...

// YES LIAM \\

"Play me some music, from the baroque period, German if you will"

// AFFIRMATIVE \\

Cue soothing harpsichord music emanating from the very walls, that are made of a super thin vibrating speaker like material...

I've always liked this idea.
And it's not that far fetched.
According to the gadget show, £35k will get you a complete home automation system that includes a remote control you can talk into.

All it takes is for someone to tie that to quality miniature directional microphones (effectively ditching the remote) in every room so you just name your computer (I like "Lurchio", because, let's face it, who is goign to call their child that? Eh? I know, I know, the same could be said for "Sheldon" (my real name). Sigh.) and then before each command use it's name. I tell you what it would make people less rude once they got the hang of it - none of that "hold on, I've just got to take this call on my mobile" mid-sentence which is always damn annoying. Also, on the politeness thing, you end the conversation with "thank you Lurchio" so that the computer knows your commands are finished - and again, maybe that will come into everyday use? What? Could happen... sigh.

The house the gadget show visited can follow you around the house but needs an RFID tag in your shoe - so that's a tiny bit invasive. Apart from that and the cost - which should be forced down to high street prices to allow 21st century DIY to drag us all into sci-fi territory - I think I may add this to my "vision of the future".