A lineup of 150 international experts, scientists, and sci-fi creators recently gathered at the 2024 China Science Fiction Convention in Beijing to discuss the synergies between technological innovation and science fiction.
On the sidelines of the forum on the development of cutting-edge technologies, the China Global Television Network (CGTN) sat down with the elite global minds to learn about their unique insights on hot topics in the field of scientific and technological innovation, as well as how they interpret technological progress from the perspective of science fiction literature.
Vladimir Norov, former secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, emphasized the crucial role of global cooperation in driving technological development.
"That's why it is important cooperation. International corporation, as in innovating new types of these technologies, how you can benefit from this. It is needed the common special sharing of knowledge, sharing of experience and common such educations," he said.
Leading robotics specialist Antonio Frisoli, who is a full professor of engineering mechanics and robotics at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Italy, shared his insights from the forefront of robotics research, asserting that technology and science fiction dynamically enhance and inspire one another.
"It's really important what science fiction can make in terms of new ideas. In particular, now, because robotics is becoming to reach a level that was described in science fiction 30 years, 40 years ago. So we need to have some view of what will happen next," said Frisoli.
His view was shared by Chinese sci-fi writer Chen Qiufan, who noted that the tech progress is a double-edged sword for sci-fi creation.
"I believe the relentless progress of technology has a dual impact on science fiction. It serves both as a catalyst and an impediment. On one hand, it acts as a driving force, as science fiction has historically drawn endless inspiration from various technological innovations and groundbreaking theories. The evolution of technology consistently fuels the imaginative fires of creators. On the other hand, the rapid development of artificial intelligence presents a challenge which requires that our sci-fi writers must update some of our perceptions constantly. We need to reconcile people's current understanding of AI while also surpassing contemporary reality. We are tasked with envisioning more advanced, more potent forms of AI, contemplating what these superior intelligences might look like or how they would function. This, in turn, sets a higher bar for the authors in the genre," said Chen.
Another Chinese author Wang Weiqi, who is also a data scientist holding a Ph.D. from the University of Oxford, addressed the challenges of taking Chinese sci-fi works global, emphasizing the dual hurdles of accurate translations fitting Western contexts and overcoming cultural differences.
"We are proud of our Chinese and Asian culture, the oriental culture, so to speak. But Western culture is very different. So how to preserve our culture proudly, but at the same time, put it in the work and let foreign Western readers accept it and appreciate it, that's an even bigger challenge. Because everybody, especially in the Western world, thinks in a very different way. They have a different logic. They have a different sense of taste," he said.
The eighth China Science Fiction Convention was held in the Chinese capital from April 27 to 29, showcasing cutting-edge technologies such as holograms, artificial intelligence, and motion capture, creating a futuristic and scientifically vibrant atmosphere that offered audience a novel experience.
This year's convention also introduced new elements such as e-sports and e-syllables to the science fiction carnival.
Experts explore synergies between sci-fi creation, tech innovation
