Moderators of "Inventing the Future" Symposium discussed how contemporary content shapes tomorrow

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Another working meeting of the organisers of the II International Symposium "Inventing the Future," scheduled for October 2025, was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. One of the key focuses of the upcoming event — "Content About the Future" — became the central topic of discussion. Participants, including representatives of state bodies, science fiction writers, literary scholars, and public figures, sought to answer how to form an image of a technologically optimistic tomorrow and what mechanisms are needed to support modern science fiction.

The meeting was moderated by Vladimir Kosteyev, Aide to the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects, and Alexander Molchanov, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.

Yuliya Ablets, founder of the New Media Workshop and Deputy Director General of the ANO "Dialogue Regions," spoke about the organisation’s role in creating projects for the future. She also expressed readiness to propose concrete formats of cooperation within the framework of a large-scale joint effort to design the future.

"True science fiction is impossible without a scientific foundation. It is important for us to popularise science and content about science, and to create platforms for dialogue between scientists and media technologists. The second key aspect is learning to think about the future, to reflect in a way that allows us to forecast and construct scenarios. Formats such as shows featuring futurologists, scientists, and media professionals that build a vision of the future can help establish and popularise this 'technology of future thinking'," Yuliya Ablets emphasised.

Maria Zalunina, Head of CSR at National Media Group, stressed the importance of collaboration between futurologists and actual scriptwriters and content creators at the Symposium.

"It is necessary to explore topics related to the future more deeply, involving futurologists, analysts and sociologists, and to create an open futurology laboratory — a space for discussions among scientists, society and the creative industries about visions of the future. The word 'future' gains real meaning when a child enters the picture. It is important to involve children and teenagers in reflecting on the future. Their opinions must be taken into account in content creation, because they possess creative thinking and are ready to envision what lies ahead," added Maria Zalunina.

Special attention to the interests of the younger audience was also highlighted by Yevgeny Kharitonov, Head of the Literary Projects Department at the Russian State Library for Young Adults and Chair of the Council for Science Fiction and Adventure Literature of the Union of Writers of Russia.

"Today we are witnessing active development in youth and children's literature, particularly among readers aged 12 to 30. Teenagers aged 12–14 are showing a keen interest in Soviet science fiction — Yefremov, the Strugatsky brothers, Kazantsev. The contest held by the National Centre RUSSIA, 'Dreams of the Future,' demonstrated that children and young people have their own compelling vision of the future and are ready to reflect on it," said Yevgeny Kharitonov.

Yelena Zaitseva, Director General of the production centre "Schastye" (Happiness), raised concerns about the quality of children’s and family-oriented content about the future. Meanwhile, Ilya Fabrichnikov, Adviser to the Director General of the Internet Development Institute, drew participants’ attention to the quantity of media products, noting that the demand for more future-focused content is driven by ongoing changes in modern society.

"We need to talk about heroes, about the imagery of heroes. Therefore, the creation of science fiction universes and new storylines must also include the development of proper heroic figures. These should certainly include engineers, scientists, cosmonauts — all fields should be represented. Media technologists and producers too," said Yelena Zaitseva.

The International Symposium "Inventing the Future" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA from November 4 to 6, 2024 and became the first event at the National Centre RUSSIA held by order of the President of the country. The Symposium brought together scientists, researchers, futurists, science fiction writers, and government representatives from 101 countries. Its three-day programme included over 60 events across four main themes: "The Future of Humanity," "The Future of Technology," "The Future of a Multipolar World," and "The Future of Civilisations."

The National Centre RUSSIA continues its large-scale efforts to design the future and promote the science fiction genre among young people — a mission that began during the International Symposium "Inventing the Future." In April 2025, the centre hosted the first International Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth." The event brought together over 100 participants from 48 countries, including experts from leading think tanks, development institutions, youth organisations, as well as government and business representatives.

In addition, the National Centre RUSSIA initiated the launch of the All-Russian video essay contest "Dreams of the Future." The project aims to popularise the legacy of Russian and Soviet science fiction. Its goal is to spark young people’s interest in the work of science fiction writers, inspire them to engage in science and creativity, and encourage the realisation of new ideas. More information is available at dream.russia.ru.