It’s February 23, 2026. You’ve got a degree from the most visionary university in the country on your resume. But the world isn’t the same as it was when you were a student. Can you imagine…
Imagine that your transcript remains open, even after you’ve earned your degree. Everything you learn counts towards your record. The audiobook you just read. A how-to you watched on Snapchat. Alumni also have early access to research data from UC Davis laboratories. You aren’t just a graduate of UC Davis, you’re a citizen of UC Davis. The university is your knowledge hub, and your diploma is your access pass to a lifetime of continued learning and growth.
Could this really happen? Here are some clues…Imagine a world of micro-credentials. What skills would you want to learn? What would you teach? How would you use a map that shows every single learning opportunity near you? What if it was the norm to author research with 10,000 others around the world? Who would you collaborate with?
Imagine that when you look for work, you’re not looking for a job. Instead, you’re searching for ways to pitch in on different challenges and projects. Most positions are short-term, and tied to specific tasks or initiatives. You move from gig to gig, based on your skills, your connections, and your availability.
Could this really happen? Here are some clues…Imagine a global economy powered by gigs—not full-time, long-term jobs. How would you structure your day? How would you find the perfect job for you today… and then pick a different job tomorrow? What if all jobs, from healthcare to humanities, were made into micro-work?
Imagine that there was a way to spark change in your community with a single gesture. Voting on civic issues is now as easy as a right or left swipe, and voters today are more engaged than ever.
Could this really happen? Here are some clues…Imagine democracy has been upgraded for the Internet era, what is your vote for the future of Sacramento region? How would you engage in global citizenship in this kind of future? What if you could right-swipe to vote?
The best way to imagine how things can be different is to start with what you know, and change it. Pick a topic you care about, and start playing cards to imagine how it might be different in the year 2026! Be sure to use a hashtag in each card you play. Here are some ideas to get you started… (and feel free to invent your own!)
In the world of 2026: What could you create? What could you make different? What challenge could you help solve? UC Davis, what are your futures?
Collective Imagination
Positive Imagination
Shadow Imagination
Collaborative Foresight
Action Foresight!
Social imagination
Investigation
What would YOU want to do in this future? What great things could happen?
What are you worried about in this future? What could go wrong?