Exploring the Future: Where Statistics Meets Imagination

In a recent episode of Pinoy Scientist aired on Radyo Agila on August 31, 2025, Prof. Simone Di Zio, Co-Chair of the Italy Node of The Millennium Project and full professor in Social Statistics at the Università G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara (Italy) joined hosts Dr. Custer Deocaris and Shermon Cruz, Chair of the Philippines Node of The Millennium Project, to explore the intersection of statistics and foresight.

The conversation addressed profound questions about the measurability of visions and imagination, the role of randomness in foresight, and the potential of advanced statistical and AI tools to enhance the reliability of foresight scenarios.

Prof. Di Zio emphasized the distinction between risk (measurable) and uncertainty (immeasurable), introduced Karl Popper’s concept of “propensity” as a framework for navigating futures beyond probability, and advocated for a shift from prediction to preparedness and resilience, suggesting that attention should be on a system’s capacity to absorb shocks and surprises rather than on measuring the vision itself.

This engaging discussion offers valuable insights into how data, imagination, and resilience converge to shape the futures we build.