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How Building the Future Really Works: From Information Technologies and Space Technologies to Power Production and Electromobility—What Society Needs to Take the Next Leap Forward
"How Building the Future Really Works" discusses how the present generations need to drive the development and implementation of the technologies of the future, such as the implementation of electric and autonomous vehicle systems.
There are laws of nature in business and technology development – almost as immutable as the laws of physics. They have never before been summarized in an accessible way in one book. You can learn them by spending your life studying the history of technology and economic development and putting the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together, one by one. Or you can read this book and jump-start your journey toward an understanding of how we as individuals, our companies, and countries need to build the future.
First of all, we need to admit that we do not know exactly how to build the future – then we need to start building it.
Mats Larsson has spent the past 18 years exploring the amount of resources needed for the changes to electromobility and other technologies and systems of the future to succeed. He has since 2009 written 6 internationally published books on these subjects.
There are laws of nature in business and technology development – almost as immutable as the laws of physics. They have never before been summarized in an accessible way in one book. You can learn them by spending your life studying the history of technology and economic development and putting the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together, one by one. Or you can read this book and jump-start your journey toward an understanding of how we as individuals, our companies, and countries need to build the future.
First of all, we need to admit that we do not know exactly how to build the future – then we need to start building it.
Mats Larsson has spent the past 18 years exploring the amount of resources needed for the changes to electromobility and other technologies and systems of the future to succeed. He has since 2009 written 6 internationally published books on these subjects.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2023
21 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 9, 2025
There are books that talk about the future, and then there are books that teach you how to build it. Mats Larsson’s How Building the Future Really Works falls squarely into the latter category. It’s not a lofty vision of tomorrow filled with buzzwords; it’s a grounded, eye-opening exploration of what it actually takes to make progress happen.
From the very first chapter, Larsson’s voice stands out, clear, precise, and deeply informed by decades of research and real-world experience. This isn’t just a theoretical guide to technology and innovation; it’s a masterclass in understanding how systems evolve, how industries transform, and how humanity can move forward with both ambition and realism.
What makes the book so fascinating is Larsson’s ability to connect the dots between different fields, information technology, space exploration, electromobility, and energy production, and reveal the hidden principles that govern them all. He introduces what he calls the laws of nature in business and technology development, and reading about them feels like uncovering the blueprint of progress itself.
The beauty of this work lies in its balance: Larsson combines technical insight with philosophical depth. He doesn’t just tell us what’s possible, he examines why some ideas succeed while others collapse, and what mindset is required to navigate uncertainty in an era defined by rapid change. His message is both humbling and empowering: we don’t fully know how to build the future yet, but that shouldn’t stop us from trying, it should inspire us to start.
Through clear, engaging prose and a remarkable ability to simplify complexity, Larsson invites readers to think like innovators, systems thinkers, and responsible stewards of technological change. Each chapter leaves you with a deeper understanding of the interconnected nature of modern progress, and of our collective responsibility to ensure that future development serves humanity, not just industry.
This is not just a book for engineers or economists; it’s for anyone who has ever looked at the pace of change and wondered: where is this all going, and how can we do it better?
From the very first chapter, Larsson’s voice stands out, clear, precise, and deeply informed by decades of research and real-world experience. This isn’t just a theoretical guide to technology and innovation; it’s a masterclass in understanding how systems evolve, how industries transform, and how humanity can move forward with both ambition and realism.
What makes the book so fascinating is Larsson’s ability to connect the dots between different fields, information technology, space exploration, electromobility, and energy production, and reveal the hidden principles that govern them all. He introduces what he calls the laws of nature in business and technology development, and reading about them feels like uncovering the blueprint of progress itself.
The beauty of this work lies in its balance: Larsson combines technical insight with philosophical depth. He doesn’t just tell us what’s possible, he examines why some ideas succeed while others collapse, and what mindset is required to navigate uncertainty in an era defined by rapid change. His message is both humbling and empowering: we don’t fully know how to build the future yet, but that shouldn’t stop us from trying, it should inspire us to start.
Through clear, engaging prose and a remarkable ability to simplify complexity, Larsson invites readers to think like innovators, systems thinkers, and responsible stewards of technological change. Each chapter leaves you with a deeper understanding of the interconnected nature of modern progress, and of our collective responsibility to ensure that future development serves humanity, not just industry.
This is not just a book for engineers or economists; it’s for anyone who has ever looked at the pace of change and wondered: where is this all going, and how can we do it better?
November 9, 2025
In How Building the Future Really Works, Mats Larsson offers a bold, clear-sighted examination of the technological and societal transformations shaping our collective future. With nearly two decades of research into sustainable systems, electromobility, and large-scale innovation, Larsson distills complex ideas into a compelling roadmap for how humanity can, and must, move forward.
The book’s central premise is both humbling and energizing: we don’t yet fully know how to build the future, but we must begin building it anyway. From electric and autonomous vehicle systems to energy production, information technology, and space exploration, Larsson weaves together an integrated picture of progress that is grounded in reality rather than utopian optimism. His “laws of nature” in technology and business, principles as unyielding as physics, form the backbone of his argument, giving readers a framework to understand why some innovations succeed while others fail.
What makes this work exceptional is Larsson’s ability to bridge the gap between theory and application. His writing combines scholarly insight with practical vision, speaking to business leaders, policymakers, and forward-thinking readers alike. He neither oversimplifies nor overwhelms; instead, he delivers clarity and perspective on how resource constraints, societal inertia, and technological interdependence shape the pace of change.
How Building the Future Really Works stands out as a rare blend of technological wisdom and strategic foresight. It’s not merely a book about innovation, it’s a call to collective responsibility and action. Readers will walk away with a deeper understanding of how progress truly unfolds and what it takes to turn possibility into sustainable reality.
A timely, intelligent, and essential read for anyone serious about the future of technology, energy, and society.
The book’s central premise is both humbling and energizing: we don’t yet fully know how to build the future, but we must begin building it anyway. From electric and autonomous vehicle systems to energy production, information technology, and space exploration, Larsson weaves together an integrated picture of progress that is grounded in reality rather than utopian optimism. His “laws of nature” in technology and business, principles as unyielding as physics, form the backbone of his argument, giving readers a framework to understand why some innovations succeed while others fail.
What makes this work exceptional is Larsson’s ability to bridge the gap between theory and application. His writing combines scholarly insight with practical vision, speaking to business leaders, policymakers, and forward-thinking readers alike. He neither oversimplifies nor overwhelms; instead, he delivers clarity and perspective on how resource constraints, societal inertia, and technological interdependence shape the pace of change.
How Building the Future Really Works stands out as a rare blend of technological wisdom and strategic foresight. It’s not merely a book about innovation, it’s a call to collective responsibility and action. Readers will walk away with a deeper understanding of how progress truly unfolds and what it takes to turn possibility into sustainable reality.
A timely, intelligent, and essential read for anyone serious about the future of technology, energy, and society.
November 3, 2025
How Building the Future Really Works is one of those rare works that doesn’t just analyze the future, it methodically explains how to build it. Mats Larsson brings nearly two decades of deep research and real-world insight to a topic often clouded by speculation and jargon. The result is a clear, intellectually grounded guide to understanding the intricate relationship between technology, energy, and societal progress.
What makes this book stand out is its combination of scientific precision and pragmatic optimism. Larsson treats innovation not as a buzzword, but as a disciplined process governed by what he calls the “laws of nature” in business and technological development forces as immutable as physics themselves. His argument is both humbling and inspiring: to shape the future responsibly, we must first accept that we don’t fully know how and then begin building it anyway.
Each chapter unpacks the transitions ahead from electromobility and automation to new energy systems in language that is accessible without ever oversimplifying. The narrative’s clarity and rigor make complex systems thinking feel both engaging and urgent. It’s a call to action for policymakers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and ordinary readers who care about sustainable progress.
Mats Larsson has created more than a technology book; this is a philosophical manual for the twenty-first century, bridging the gap between ambition and implementation. For anyone interested in how societies can actually make the leap forward, this is required reading.
What makes this book stand out is its combination of scientific precision and pragmatic optimism. Larsson treats innovation not as a buzzword, but as a disciplined process governed by what he calls the “laws of nature” in business and technological development forces as immutable as physics themselves. His argument is both humbling and inspiring: to shape the future responsibly, we must first accept that we don’t fully know how and then begin building it anyway.
Each chapter unpacks the transitions ahead from electromobility and automation to new energy systems in language that is accessible without ever oversimplifying. The narrative’s clarity and rigor make complex systems thinking feel both engaging and urgent. It’s a call to action for policymakers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and ordinary readers who care about sustainable progress.
Mats Larsson has created more than a technology book; this is a philosophical manual for the twenty-first century, bridging the gap between ambition and implementation. For anyone interested in how societies can actually make the leap forward, this is required reading.
November 3, 2025
A Visionary Blueprint for Technological and Societal Transformation
Mats Larsson’s How Building the Future Really Works is a rigorous and insightful examination of the forces shaping the technologies that will define our century. Rather than offering speculative predictions, Larsson approaches the subject with the precision of a systems thinker tracing the interdependence between information technologies, energy systems, and industrial evolution.
What distinguishes this work is its grounded intelligence. Larsson articulates the “laws of nature” that govern technological and economic progress, presenting them not as metaphors but as genuine frameworks for understanding how innovation unfolds. His arguments are supported by nearly two decades of research, giving the book both academic weight and real-world credibility.
The prose is measured, lucid, and often quietly urgent. It invites reflection without resorting to alarmism, encouraging readers to recognize that building the future begins with acknowledging our present limitations.
For professionals in technology, sustainability, or policy or for any reader seeking to understand how progress truly operates this book is an indispensable guide. It bridges the gap between vision and practicality with exceptional clarity and authority.
Mats Larsson’s How Building the Future Really Works is a rigorous and insightful examination of the forces shaping the technologies that will define our century. Rather than offering speculative predictions, Larsson approaches the subject with the precision of a systems thinker tracing the interdependence between information technologies, energy systems, and industrial evolution.
What distinguishes this work is its grounded intelligence. Larsson articulates the “laws of nature” that govern technological and economic progress, presenting them not as metaphors but as genuine frameworks for understanding how innovation unfolds. His arguments are supported by nearly two decades of research, giving the book both academic weight and real-world credibility.
The prose is measured, lucid, and often quietly urgent. It invites reflection without resorting to alarmism, encouraging readers to recognize that building the future begins with acknowledging our present limitations.
For professionals in technology, sustainability, or policy or for any reader seeking to understand how progress truly operates this book is an indispensable guide. It bridges the gap between vision and practicality with exceptional clarity and authority.
November 3, 2025
A Bold, Brilliant Look at What It Really Takes to Build the Future
How Building the Future Really Works isn’t just another book about technology, it’s a roadmap for understanding the invisible forces that shape progress. Mats Larsson takes complex ideas about innovation, energy, and mobility and turns them into something strikingly clear and deeply thought-provoking.
What I loved most is how Larsson blends the analytical with the practical. He doesn’t just talk about the next wave of technologies, he explains why societies succeed or fail in adopting them, showing that the laws of technological growth are as real as the laws of physics. It’s both humbling and inspiring.
You can feel the weight of his research eighteen years of studying how the future is actually built yet the writing remains accessible, grounded, and refreshingly human. It’s the kind of book that leaves you rethinking what progress really means and how much work it takes to make it sustainable.
If you care about the future of technology, climate, or innovation policy, this book belongs on your shelf. It doesn’t just predict the future, it teaches you how to build it.
How Building the Future Really Works isn’t just another book about technology, it’s a roadmap for understanding the invisible forces that shape progress. Mats Larsson takes complex ideas about innovation, energy, and mobility and turns them into something strikingly clear and deeply thought-provoking.
What I loved most is how Larsson blends the analytical with the practical. He doesn’t just talk about the next wave of technologies, he explains why societies succeed or fail in adopting them, showing that the laws of technological growth are as real as the laws of physics. It’s both humbling and inspiring.
You can feel the weight of his research eighteen years of studying how the future is actually built yet the writing remains accessible, grounded, and refreshingly human. It’s the kind of book that leaves you rethinking what progress really means and how much work it takes to make it sustainable.
If you care about the future of technology, climate, or innovation policy, this book belongs on your shelf. It doesn’t just predict the future, it teaches you how to build it.
November 2, 2025
How Building the Future Really Works is one of those rare books that takes big, complex ideas about technology, energy, and innovation and makes them feel both understandable and urgent. Mats Larsson doesn’t just talk about future technologies; he breaks down the real-world resources, systems, and thinking required to make them happen.
What stood out most is his honest approach: we don’t know everything about building the future, but progress starts with the willingness to begin. Larsson’s long experience shines through as he explains the “laws” behind technological development and why society must act with purpose and strategy.
Clear, thoughtful, and ambitious, this book is a must-read for anyone serious about the next wave of innovation, from electromobility to global tech transformation. Larsson delivers a compelling and intelligent guide that earns both respect and admiration.
Highly recommended for future-thinkers, leaders, and anyone curious about how real progress is built.
What stood out most is his honest approach: we don’t know everything about building the future, but progress starts with the willingness to begin. Larsson’s long experience shines through as he explains the “laws” behind technological development and why society must act with purpose and strategy.
Clear, thoughtful, and ambitious, this book is a must-read for anyone serious about the next wave of innovation, from electromobility to global tech transformation. Larsson delivers a compelling and intelligent guide that earns both respect and admiration.
Highly recommended for future-thinkers, leaders, and anyone curious about how real progress is built.
November 2, 2025
How Building the Future Really Works is a powerful, clear-thinking guide for anyone interested in how real technological progress happens. Mats Larsson brings almost two decades of research into electromobility, energy systems, and future technologies, and presents it in a way that is both accessible and deeply thought-provoking.
What I appreciate most is Larsson’s honesty and humility, he reminds us that we don’t have every answer, but we must still begin building. His “laws of nature” in technology and economic development offer a fresh, almost physics-like clarity to how innovation truly unfolds.
This book isn’t filled with hype, it’s filled with insight, grounded analysis, and a call to take responsibility for shaping the future. For readers passionate about technology, sustainability, strategy, and progress, this is a compelling and important read.
Mats Larsson deserves great praise for delivering a visionary yet realistic roadmap for tomorrow. Highly recommended.
What I appreciate most is Larsson’s honesty and humility, he reminds us that we don’t have every answer, but we must still begin building. His “laws of nature” in technology and economic development offer a fresh, almost physics-like clarity to how innovation truly unfolds.
This book isn’t filled with hype, it’s filled with insight, grounded analysis, and a call to take responsibility for shaping the future. For readers passionate about technology, sustainability, strategy, and progress, this is a compelling and important read.
Mats Larsson deserves great praise for delivering a visionary yet realistic roadmap for tomorrow. Highly recommended.
February 13, 2024
"How Building the Future Really Works: From IT and Space Technologies to Power Production and Electromobility" is written by Mats Larsson who offers an insightful exploration of the driving forces behind the development and implementation of future technologies. The concept of 'hyperthink' particularly caught my attention as it was a new idea to me, but it resonated strongly with examples like Brexit and the March of Folly. With his extensive experience as a consultant in the field, Larsson challenges commonly held beliefs about the ease of implementing technologies like electromobility, providing impressive statistics to support his arguments. His unique perspective on the natural laws governing business and technological development is undeniably thought-provoking, making this book a necessary read for anyone seeking to understand how the future will be shaped.
March 12, 2024
Future technology.
First off, it’s recognised that the future will be challenging. Mobile phone technology and computer technology are looked at initially. Other big industries examined include the airline industry, the space industry, the Internet and nuclear power.
The move to electrically powered cars is not as straightforward as it is often presented. Change can take decades. Some of the countries we need to keep an eye on in terms of change include Sweden and Norway. Orgware technology is needed to turn things around; somewhat like the Apollo program.
Brexit is looked at in hard detail and it is recognised that Britain might falter considering it can no longer rely on the empire - which helped its success in previous decades.
The book concludes that we need to learn how to build the future.
First off, it’s recognised that the future will be challenging. Mobile phone technology and computer technology are looked at initially. Other big industries examined include the airline industry, the space industry, the Internet and nuclear power.
The move to electrically powered cars is not as straightforward as it is often presented. Change can take decades. Some of the countries we need to keep an eye on in terms of change include Sweden and Norway. Orgware technology is needed to turn things around; somewhat like the Apollo program.
Brexit is looked at in hard detail and it is recognised that Britain might falter considering it can no longer rely on the empire - which helped its success in previous decades.
The book concludes that we need to learn how to build the future.
November 6, 2023
The reviews of How Building the Future Really Works by Mats Larsson looked intriguing, and I downloaded it. Unlike other future predicting books, Mats changes readers to think in terms of what the future could be shaped like. He calls this ‘hyperthink.’
The idea is to analyze complex past topics for mistakes and the resulting failures. One example Mats provided was the American War of Independence and how the British went into the conflict with the wrong attitude. The outcome could have been predicted if one had the mental tools to subjectively analyze the data at the beginning of the conflict.
I enjoyed this book; it gave me a lot to think about the future of myself and our world. Readers will appreciate the clear concepts, historical analysis, and path to see our future.
The idea is to analyze complex past topics for mistakes and the resulting failures. One example Mats provided was the American War of Independence and how the British went into the conflict with the wrong attitude. The outcome could have been predicted if one had the mental tools to subjectively analyze the data at the beginning of the conflict.
I enjoyed this book; it gave me a lot to think about the future of myself and our world. Readers will appreciate the clear concepts, historical analysis, and path to see our future.
November 9, 2025
Mats Larsson delivers an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of how real progress happens. Rather than relying on futuristic hype, he breaks down the fundamental principles behind technology, innovation, and economic development, showing readers the practical steps society must take to move forward.
What stands out most is Larsson’s clarity and honesty. He blends technical understanding with a grounded perspective, reminding us that building the future requires both vision and humility. His ability to connect complex ideas across energy, mobility, and information systems makes this a truly engaging and intelligent read.
What stands out most is Larsson’s clarity and honesty. He blends technical understanding with a grounded perspective, reminding us that building the future requires both vision and humility. His ability to connect complex ideas across energy, mobility, and information systems makes this a truly engaging and intelligent read.
December 14, 2023
If your interested in the future of technology give this a read
Just got through this book and it's quite the eye-opener. It takes a different, more down-to-earth approach than other books like "The Inevitable." Instead of just big ideas, it looks at the real challenges we'll face with stuff like self-driving cars and green tech, using lessons from the past like the Internet's beginnings. It's like a reality check mixed with a history lesson, making it perfect for anyone curious about where we're headed with technology. Definitely a thought-provoking read!
Just got through this book and it's quite the eye-opener. It takes a different, more down-to-earth approach than other books like "The Inevitable." Instead of just big ideas, it looks at the real challenges we'll face with stuff like self-driving cars and green tech, using lessons from the past like the Internet's beginnings. It's like a reality check mixed with a history lesson, making it perfect for anyone curious about where we're headed with technology. Definitely a thought-provoking read!
February 21, 2024
Excellent Read!
The author of the book does an excellent job of presenting thought-provoking ideas about the future of technology and its potential trajectory. The book highlights the issue of group think or "hyperthink," which is caused mainly by inaccurate or false information that is widely consumed on the internet. This problem poses a considerable risk to the rate of technological advancement. The author effectively presents insightful ideas on how technology may or may not progress in the future.
The author of the book does an excellent job of presenting thought-provoking ideas about the future of technology and its potential trajectory. The book highlights the issue of group think or "hyperthink," which is caused mainly by inaccurate or false information that is widely consumed on the internet. This problem poses a considerable risk to the rate of technological advancement. The author effectively presents insightful ideas on how technology may or may not progress in the future.
December 28, 2023
Good Read
This is a really cool book if you're into tech and wondering what's next. It talks about everything from computers and space stuff to how we're going to make and use energy, and even electric cars. The writer makes these big, complicated ideas easy to get, so it's great for anyone who's curious about how these things are going to change our lives.
This is a really cool book if you're into tech and wondering what's next. It talks about everything from computers and space stuff to how we're going to make and use energy, and even electric cars. The writer makes these big, complicated ideas easy to get, so it's great for anyone who's curious about how these things are going to change our lives.
August 26, 2023
It's really informative and thought provoking. I learned a lot.
March 5, 2024
Repetitive but still interesting enough.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews