World's Largest network of design awards - https://betterfutureawards.com
NEXT is a platform for design leaders to explore the future - https://betterfutureawards.com/NEXT
The conversation celebrates the 20th anniversary of BETTER FUTURE, explores the origin of the idea, discusses global impact and leadership programs, delves into the Design Exec Club and leadership development, highlights impact projects and the trade program, emphasizes the multiplication of expertise and future impact, reflects on the shift in global context and regional awards, and concludes with an aspiration for a BETTER FUTURE.
Takeaways
20 years, 20 awards, 20min
BETTER FUTURE Leaders
BETTER FUTURE Awards
BETTER FUTURE Impact
BETTER FUTURE Trade
It's what you do now that makes a difference
Chapters
00:00 Celebrating 20 Years of BETTER FUTURE
06:46 Global Impact and Leadership Programs
13:44 Impact Projects and Trade Program
20:44 Aspiration for a BETTER FUTURE
18 Jun 2026
TRADE - Global Scaled Projects
The conversation delves into the complexities of international trade, talent development, and technology in the design industry. It explores the challenges, opportunities, and cultural nuances associated with scaling projects and engaging in global trade. The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration, financial considerations, and the evolving landscape of international trade.
Takeaways
Cultural understanding is crucial in international trade
Collaboration and production unit utilization are key to success in scaled projects
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Trade, Talent, and Technology
07:22 Communication and Cultural Differences in Trade
18:39 Monetization and Financial Considerations
25:09 The Future of International Trade
Presenters
Philip Johnson - Trade Envoy - BETTER FUTURE
William Knight - Director of Awards - BETTER FUTURE
Mark Bergin - Founder BETTER FUTURE
4 Jun 2026
NEXT Leaders Report - REBOOT26
The conversation explores the impact of the past hundred days on the design industry, the shift from thriving mode to survival mode, the challenges faced by design studios, and the need for strategic adaptation. It also delves into the importance of client relationships, decision-making, and the role of design studios in project development.
Takeaways
Adaptation and strategic planning are crucial in navigating the challenges faced by design studios.
Client relationships and reassurance play a vital role in maintaining stability and opportunity in the design industry.
Chapters
00:00 Strategic Adaptation and Adjustments
29 May 2026
NEXT Leaders Report - Europe Sovereign Projects
Globalisation ended in March 2026, leading to a shift towards sovereign projects, particularly in Europe.
Takeaways
End of globalisation
Rise of sovereign projects
Chapters
00:00 Rise of Sovereign Projects
14 Apr 2026
NEXT Leaders Report - Africa Focus
The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to global design markets, including insights into London Design Festival, innovative design collections, the evolution of design technology, market opportunities in Africa, and the potential of the African design market. It also delves into the London Design Festival and the importance of global connectivity in the design industry.
Takeaways
Exploring global design markets
Market opportunities in Africa
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Global Design Markets
07:51 Market Opportunities in Africa
13:05 African Design Market Potential
1 Apr 2026
NEXT Leaders Report - Norden Focus
The conversation delves into the geopolitical changes in the Nordic region, and how this applied to all leaders, the importance of adaptation and responsiveness to change, and the strategic opportunities in design. It explores the dynamics of the Norden region and its impact on global engagement and strategic planning.
Takeaways
Geopolitical changes in the Nordic region
Adaptation and responsiveness to change
Design and strategic opportunities
Chapters
00:00 Geopolitical Changes in the Nordic Region
05:17 Design and Strategic Opportunities
17 Mar 2026
NEXT Leaders Report - China Focus
Are China’s strategic moves shaping the future — or just getting started?
NEXT Leaders Report is focuses on the economic and community signals with a design lens - this episode focuses on China, the Great Renovation, AI and Community development
🇨🇳💡Drop a 🔥 if you think China is leading the way with applied AI and long-term planning.
China’s five-year plan has kept its multi-departmental focus—covering environment, economy, and even military—while the West stalls or reacts to crises. 🏗️✨
Unlike the chaotic news cycle in the West, China pushes forward with order and parallel processing, building systems that aim for stability, not chaos.
It's clear: when the West hesitates, China accelerates. Could this difference in approach determine which countries thrive in tomorrow’s world? 🌍🤔
Would you rather play defense or build for long-term growth?
Comment below!
#ChinaInnovation #FutureFocused #GlobalLeadership #AppliedAI #LongTermStrategy #NEXTLeaders #NEXTFutures #BETTERFUTUREAwards
2 Mar 2026
NEXT Leaders Report 2 March 2026
The conversation covers the adaptation to chaos as a new normal and the long-term strategic development of cities and transportation systems. The buoyancy and confidence in the market, despite chaos, is a key theme, along with the transformation of cities through long-term planning and development.
Takeaways
Adaptation to chaos
Long-term strategic development
Chapters
00:00 Adaptation to Chaos
2 Mar 2026
Next Leaders London
The conversation covers the Better Future Festival and the London program, including travel plans, program overview, studio visits, awards presentation, and the launch of the London Leaders Club chapter. The program aims to capture the spirit, stories, and feeling of global travels, fostering collaboration and innovation within the design industry.
Takeaways
Global Design Program
Leaders Club Launch
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Better Future Festival and London Program
05:08 Program Kickoff and Studio Visits
11:04 Launch of London Leaders Club Chapter
2 Mar 2026
NEXT HOUSING SPECTRUM - INTRO
The conversation introduces the Next Futures Foundation and its focus on the housing spectrum. It explores the housing affordability imbalance, the long-term approach to housing solutions, the human problems of housing, the whole of community approach, and the importance of housing literacy and the community map. The foundation emphasizes a comprehensive and collective approach to addressing housing challenges.
Takeaways
Housing spectrum
Long-term approach
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Next Futures Foundation
05:59 Long-term Approach to Housing Solutions
10:57 Whole of Community Approach
17 Feb 2026
BETTER FUTURE - Pivots to global NFP/NGO
BETTER FUTURE has transitioned into a non-profit foundation, facilitating acceleration for NEXT Futures Program.
Takeaways
Transition to non-profit foundation for accelerated community impact
BETTER FUTURE Awards remain the same
Design Exec Club pivots to NEXT Leaders Club
BETTER FUTURE Festival kicks 24 Feb - 24 April
Chapters
00:00 Updates on Better Future Initiatives
8 Oct 2025
BETTER FUTURE Vision 2050 - Intro
BETTER FUTURE Vision 2050 - Over the last 2.5 years, we've been working on a way to celebrate NEXT ideas that will shape a BETTER FUTURE.
We're settled on naming this initiative Vision 2050, which takes us 25 years into the future - a new conversation fueled by the NEXT Futures submissions from our community.
Together with our amazing creative and courageous NEXT FUTURES from our design and innovation partners, we're looking forward to generating conversation about the NEXT Futures worth considering - a collaboration where design, technology and innovation intersect for all humanity
Follow this channel for inspiration and the ways that you can help accelerate humanity to a BETTER FUTURE
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