In his room in Jagodina, Nemanja waits to join the lecture "Narratives of the future: Technology and stories". As the beginning approaches, he concludes that the headline is more than symbolic for the start of a series of lectures that await him and his Future Studies colleagues in the upcoming period.What are the narratives of the future and how does the pandemic affect them? Has technology become the only framework for storytelling? These are some of the questions that were on Nemanja's mind as he waited for 18:00. And as the moment arrived, searching for answers was replaced by greetings from well known and dear faces with whom he shared the BOS space since October 2019 until the middle of March 2020.
During the state of emergency, Future Studies team decided for the lectures to be held online instead of the classroom, as a way of adapting to the new conditions. In a moment when all habits and activities have been changed or stopped, the holding of lectures was very important for the sense of stability. In standard time, Monday and Wednesday from 18:00, the team organizes discussions that examine the Fourth industrial revolution and the future of the European Union.
As both the team and the generation adapted to the new online surroundings, the new ideas for the development of Future Studies emerged. The time used for coming to and going from the lectures is now available for the introduction of a new dynamic and activities. In March collaboration with New Paradigm Ventures from Viena was established. They will organize webinars on financial modelling for BOS students. On the other hand, online format allows lecturers from all around the world to connect and teach. For example, Imer Muhovic, a bioinformatics engineer from Barcelona, spoke about open data and their role in the understanding of current pandemic.
As the programme continues to grow and develop by exploring new opportunities and themes, Future Studies keep its fundamental function. Nemanja and his friends from XXVII Generation still have their oasis to develop critical thinking, exchange ideas and try to comprehend the future and all of its unpredictabilities. This is especially important in a time when fake news and various half-truths are rather popular and available. This oasis, since its creation 27 years ago and through different challenges, creates a positive atmosphere and gives strength to overcome fears and uncertainties of the present. Through regular online lectures and digital gatherings, BOS students create the narrative of the future in which knowledge and education are essential ways for making change and contributing to our communities. This is just the start of their joint fight for a better society based on freedom, knowledge and innovation.
Jelena Sapic, Milica Vukadinovic and Pavle Nedic