Next State (DAFZA)

A 21^st century free zone in an age of technological revolution and climate breakdown

2017

Partners
Dubai Airport Free Zone
Radicle

Next State was a research and speculative design project to outline the strategic case for economic free zones in the context of a fourth industrial revolution and climate breakdown. Taking the three areas of digital sovereignty, networked supply chains and collaborative working practices.

Whereas in the past, free zones have been focused on regulatory exemption and reduced tariffs, we flipped this model, we explored the future technology stack that companies and governments might need to develop high value, humane economies. An innovation testbed for digital regulation, programmable enterprises and open digital infrastructure.