The things—systems, technology, and ideas—that will impact us most in the future aren’t some unimaginable, as-yet dreamed up, Jetsons-style notions. No, in fact, what will impact our futures the most are systems and technologies that already exist, but to which we haven’t yet caught up. In a sense, then, the future is already here.

That’s according to Joi Ito, director of the MIT Media Lab, and Jeff Howe, founding director of Northeastern’s Media Innovation Program, who co-authored the book, Whiplash: How to Survive Our Faster Future.

The pair joined President Joseph E. Aoun for a discussion titled, “The Future of the Future” Tuesday in the event space on the 17th floor of East Village. This most recent installment of Northeastern’s presidential speaker series explored the emerging trends already shaping our future and the ways we might best adapt to what’s ahead.

Read more.