At the "Shaping the Future" International Symposium, participants explored how science fiction inspires society and helps answer the younger generation's pressing question: "What’s next?"

On November 5, a business breakfast titled "The Formula for Collaboration Between Scientists and Content Creators" was held, featuring science fiction writers, publishers, producers, and filmmakers from Russia, Serbia, China, and Italy. Organized by the "Dialog Regions" NGO and the New Media Workshop, the event discussed the distinctions between modern fantasy and science fiction, as well as the societal expectations placed on these genres.

According to Alexey Goreslavsky, Director General of the Internet Development Institute, science fiction allows us to envision the impossible:
"Like a sculptor sees a statue within a block of marble, science fiction writers construct visions of the future. Then engineers and specialists come along and say, 'Let's try to make this happen.' Imagination and dreaming are incredibly important, especially for children and teenagers. If we introduce the right film, book, series, or game at the right moment, the results can be extraordinary."

However, participants expressed concern that format is often prioritized over content. Russian author Vadim Panov emphasized that meaningful narratives rooted in authentic details are critical for engaging young audiences, who are particularly receptive to science fiction. He stressed the importance of presenting scientific information through relatable role models.

Italian science fiction writer Roberto Quaglia noted that a lack of knowledge hinders the genre's development:
"We can imagine something, but there might already be something better out there that we just don’t know about."

Serbian science fiction writer Goran Skrobonja expanded on this idea, proposing the creation of an international scientific information resource to share cutting-edge developments objectively and accurately. Such a platform could foster the growth of science fiction globally.

Science Fiction as a Driver of Innovation

The theme continued at the roundtable "Science Fiction as a Driver of Development: Creating New Worlds and Narratives (Including Video Games)." Speakers examined the genre’s evolution in the Soviet era, China’s unique approach to fantasy, and collaborative paths for development.

Historian and futurist Sergey Pereslegin highlighted the critical role of science fiction in innovation:
"Science fiction often creates artificial environments to solve hypothetical problems, but the solutions prove real and valuable. Fictional models of the world reveal significant truths."
He cited Solaris by Stanislaw Lem, written in 1964, as an example of a book whose true relevance became apparent only decades later.

Albert Efimov, Vice President and Director of the Research and Innovation Department at Sberbank, added that science fiction allows scientists to discard the constraints of empiricism and imagine what they believe but cannot yet prove. According to him, the genre also helps people overcome fear of the future:
"We all fear it—it looms over us. But generative models from books and creative minds help us process this fear. Science fiction leaves us with the desire to experiment."

Science Fiction and Art: A Collaborative Vision

Architect and CEO of Cybertecture James Law shared how his team creates futuristic worlds, writing the next chapter in science fiction through architecture:
"This can be even more exciting than writing books. Each of our new buildings is unique, as if we are using new technologies to create new worlds. Architects like me aim to make these visions a reality."

Participants agreed that the future described by modern science fiction writers will be fascinating and complex. To thrive in such a world, people will need to embrace complexity once again. This future will be built on thought, just as today’s world is built on information.

The discussion was moderated by Andrey Timonov, Acting Director of Communications at Rosatom.

About the "Shaping the Future" Symposium

The "Shaping the Future" Symposium, held from November 4 to 6, brought together participants from 101 countries, including Russia, India, Italy, Iran, China, the UAE, Serbia, the USA, and France. With over 60 sessions covering themes such as the future of humanity, technology, multipolarity, and civilizations, the symposium marks the inaugural event of the National Center "Russia." For event details and live broadcasts, visit future.russia.ru.