The Only Progress is Human is a multi-year initiative by Dassault Systèmes that aims to increase awareness of today’s societal and environmental challenges and showcases how with human-centric, real-world experiences, people can address 10 major global challenges through imagination and innovation.
For each global challenge, including health, water, mobility, energy, nature and more, Dassault Systèmes responds with an act. Each act symbolizes and highlights our commitment to meet these 10 challenges and presents an opportunity for humanity to challenge the status quo and reimagine a more sustainable future.
What is the goal of The Only Progress is Human?
There are a few different goals of The Only Progress is Human. They are:
- To inspire people to imagine a future that seeks to address the world’s greatest challenges and find sustainable solutions.
- Bring attention to the role of virtual worlds in designing a better future.
Dassault Systèmes Vice Chairman and CEO Bernard Charlès explains The Only Progress is Human:
I have a vision for the future, one in which our virtual universes are used to create harmony between product, nature and life. I’m convinced that this lies at the heart of the 21st century – the primary driver of innovation and the key to every sustainable undertaking.
But the power of a vision is only revealed through actual realization. That is why we decided to bring this vision to life through 10 Acts that will allow the public to explore our ideas for the future. These Acts – each focusing on an area of crucial importance to humanity – will challenge perceptions and inspire action. They will reveal a future where virtuality and creativity combine to show that, if we ask the right questions, we can change the world.”
History of The Only Progress is Human / Campaign Timeline
The inception of The Only Progress is Human occurred in February 2020 with the launch of the Emotion Act. Live from Jardin des Plantes in Paris, Dassault Systèmes offered our audience a one-of-a-kind experience that mixed musical emotion and virtual art. Violinist Renaud Capuçon, used a violin fully 3D designed and printed with Dassault Systèmes’ solutions to showcase how people can pioneer new ways to create moving, emotional, experiences.
Since then, there have been two other acts, including:
- November 2020 – Water & Consumption Act
- May 2022 – Heritage & Future Act
Next is the Act for Cities & Urban Sustainability, launching in January 2023.
What are the 10 major global challenges according to The Only Progress is Human?
There are 10 major global challenges that The Only Progress is Human seeks to bring attention to. They include:
- Emotion – How can virtual worlds change the way we experience emotions?
- Water & Consumption – How can we consume smarter and protect our most precious resource?
- Heritage & Future – How can understanding the past help us better navigate the future?
- Cities – How can sustainable cities thrive as urbanization increases?
- Health – How can we create preventive healthcare tailored to each patient?
- Energy – How can we create an energy-positive world?
- Mobility – How can we change the way we move through the world to make it more accessible?
- Nature – How can we learn from nature to innovate sustainability?
Why is The Only Progress is Human important to Dassault Systèmes
The Only Progress is Human and its corporate philosophy are embedded in everything we do at Dassault Systèmes. Our products, solutions, and messaging are created with its core values in mind, including innovation and human-centric experiences. It is our hope that The Only Progress is Human inspires the public to think outside the box, imagine a future that addresses the global challenges we face today and feel curious to learn more about Dassault Systèmes and the power of virtual twins.
What’s next for The Only Progress is Human?
The Only Progress is Human is just getting started! We are excited about our upcoming themes which include:
- Cities – January 2023
- Health – June 2023
…with more to come!
Frequently asked questions about The Only Progress is Human
What does “The Only Progress is Human” mean?
“The Only Progress is Human” means that innovation is born from human imagination and technology invented by humans for humans. While there are many technological benefits in today’s modern world, technology’s greatest value is its potential to imagine a more sustainable future.
What happens at a “The Only Progress is Human” event?
The Only Progress is Human events occur all around the world, from Paris to Korea, and are intended to bring together audiences from all walks of life. Whether your interests lie in the arts, sustainability, or innovation, The Only Progress is Human events will leave you feeling inspired and ready to challenge the status quo.