Robert Wolcott talks about the idea of PROXIMITY

The Futurist

Join us for an insightful conversation between Robert Wolcott, Co-founder and Chairman of The TWIN Global Network, and Ian Khan, host of the GX Podcast, filmed live at the World Government Summit 2023 in Dubai. In this episode, Rob explores the concept of "Proximity"—a powerful framework that explains how digital technologies are shifting the creation and delivery of value ever closer to the moment and place of demand.
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Rob discusses how the blurring lines between large enterprises, startups, and governments are accelerating innovation. Unlike the past, where these actors operated in silos, today we see a growing synergy. Entrepreneurs bring agility and vision, while corporations offer scale and infrastructure—working together to bring meaningful innovation to market faster than ever before.
The conversation also dives into how digital technologies like AI, IoT, 3D printing, and on-demand pharmaceuticals are changing traditional models of production and service delivery. Rob explains how "proximity" is not just about faster logistics—it's about creating products, services, and experiences exactly when and where they’re needed. From vertical farming in Dubai to on-demand drug manufacturing, the future is being built closer than ever to real-time demand.
This transformation also affects governments and public services. Rob suggests leaders begin not by accepting the limitations of the present, but by imagining what ideal citizen experiences could look like—and then using technology to work backward from that vision. While challenges around ethics and privacy remain, the possibilities for proactive, real-time governance are rapidly becoming reality.
Whether you're an innovator, policymaker, or business leader, this episode will shift your perspective on what’s possible. Don’t miss Rob’s upcoming book, Proximity, from Columbia University Press, which expands on these ideas. Subscribe for more conversations like this and stay tuned for future episodes from the GX Video Series.
Watch all seasons of the GX podcast at www.GX.ae
About GX
The GX Podcast is produced with the support of the Emirates Government Service Excellence Program (EGSEP). Hosted by Futurist Ian Khan, the podcast and video series is the only such series covering the government experience domain.
About Ian Khan
Ian Khan, the host of the GX Podcast & Video series, is a world-renowned technology futurist, author of Metaverse for Dummies, Technology Filmmaker, and creator of the Future Readiness Score. More at www.iankhan.com
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Ian Khan is a globally recognised emerging tech leadership expert. A practising Futurist, Creator of the Future Readiness Leaders Circle, Multiple times author including "Metaverse for Dummies", Filmmaker and Storyteller on PrimeVideo and Emirates Airlines, one of the worlds largest airlines with 10 Million passengers per year. Ian's ground breaking work has been featured on CNN, the BBC, Fox, Bloomberg, Wharton Daily, ArabNews, RT, CoinBase, Korea Times, Spanish Daily Expansión, Ian hosts the worlds largest Future Readiness leadership networks, bringing together high performance entrepreneurs and leaders on a common mission to build future ready and undisputable businesses. Khan's new book is titled "Undisruptable" and is scheduled to release in early 2024.
Visit Ian at www.IanKhan.com