Laurie Smith, Head of Foresight Research at Nesta, explores the profound impact of emerging AI technologies on society. This episode revolves around Nesta's mission to leverage innovative solutions for health, childhood equality, and sustainable futures. Hosts Valencio Cardoso and Roman Bercot discuss the multidisciplinary approaches—such as data science and strategic foresight—used by Nesta's Discovery Team to identify technology trends. Examples include AI applications in early childhood education and sustainable home heating in the UK. The discussion critically examines essential ethical considerations, including AI's impact on employment, privacy, and the arts. Laurie also shares his personal journey in foresight research, highlighting notable projects and strategies for responsible AI innovation. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Socially Conscious AI 00:40 Meet Laurie Smith: Foresight Research at Nesta 01:58 Understanding Nesta's Mission and Impact 05:54 Laurie's Journey into Foresight Research 08:25 Strategic Foresight and Emerging Technologies 15:52 AI for Good: Opportunities and Challenges 19:17 Interactive Tools for Early Childhood Education 20:02 AI Applications Beyond Early Childhood 21:08 Generative AI in Education 23:28 AI's Role in Workforce Enhancement 30:12 Ethical Considerations in AI Deployment 35:43 Future Directions and Innovations at Nesta 38:04 Conclusion and Contact Information To learn more about Laurie Smith and Nesta, visit nesta.org.uk, or follow Laurie on LinkedIn. Find us on X, Instagram, and check out our website for more episodes at SociallyConsciousAI.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the show!