As we enter 1984 what kind of future can we envisage for Britain? Is it to be one of gradual decay, or a high technology wonderland? Are we prepared for the radical changes to the way we live that the future could bring? What will you be doing in the year 2009?
Tonight, and on Monday, Beyond 1984 takes a cool look at the prospects for the UK in the next 25 years. In this first programme three films give three different personal views of the possible future and explore some alternative ideas on how we decide on what is important for the UK.
7.17 The Economy
Dr. John EatweII , Fellow in Economics at Trinity College, Cambridge, assesses Britain's economic future. Drawing on detailed statistical forecasts, and casting a critical eye on the US economy, he argues that initially the people of Britain are in for a very tough time, but that in the long term we could have a rosy future.
7.45 A Technological Tomorrow
Philip Hughes , Chairman of Logica, is one of our most successful technocrats. He believes the UK has the brains to recapture her wealth and influence in the future through the development of a new information technology. Following a shift from the manufacturing to the 'knowledge based' industries, the challenge will be how to deal with the unemployment it creates, and how to learn to live in a world in which we may only work two days a week of 26 weeks a year.
(Part 2: 8.20 pm)