If interested in bulk ordering (min: 50 books), please contact sarah@experimentalcivics.io with “bulk order” in the title.
GIUSEPPE COGNETTI
“frameworks like Sarah Sharif’s remind that imagination, curiousity, and courage still define what makes us human. The future is not discovered but co-built.”
MARIAN SALZMAN,
Author of The New Megatrends
“Look, listen, learn, think - and read this book for inspiration and foresight on what is to come and why. Trends matter, and the future is fast approaching. ”
NEIL REDDING,
The Near Futurist
“Given the near absurd velocity of technology’s evolution, we need new lenses for identifying potential sources of practice innovation. By inviting us to look closely at the taboo, Sharif offers a surprising one - one we can put into practice immediately. ”
HUGH FORREST,
Former SXSW president & Chief Programming Officer
“The future usually comes to us as we expect it to, until it doesn’t. Sarah Sharif’s new book explores these important until-it-doesn’t moments. Read “The Future is Taboo” to understand why breakthroughs that are initially dismissed as frivolous, foolish and forgettable so often define the path forward for humanity.”
About
10 Historical Case Studies
20+ Future Signals to Watch
This book is designed to help leaders spot ideas that feel strange at first and turn them into billion-dollar blueprints. We’ve seen it before: subways reshaped cities, elevators made skyscrapers possible, lobsters rose from “sea insects” to luxury dining, denim climbed from workwear to runway, and organ transplants built an entire care economy.
This is a practical field guide. Using the Taboo Innovation Framework, it measures urgency pressure, identifies permission moments, and helps innovators make evidence-based bets. From quiet supersonics and ocean agriculture to biosensing textiles, 3D-printed organs, and nanodelivery bots—the next wave of “taboo” ideas is already here. The book blends history with future signals to show how discomfort becomes demand across 5 lenses: travel, food, fashion, health, and architecture.
Exclusive interview mentions with
Danièle Bersier of EXIT International
Dr. Stephanie Chang, TIME 100 honoree and pioneer of the world’s first robotic double-lung transplant
Dr. Manel Torres, inventor of the world’s first spray-on dress
Exclusive International Launch Event
Nov. 19
The Dubai Future Forum is an annual event hosted by the Dubai Future Foundation that convenes futurists, foresight practitioners, and experts to discuss and shape the future of various sectors like technology, environment, and society.
The event aims to foster a community and translate foresight work into meaningful actions by anticipating challenges, imagining opportunities, and hosting critical conversations. It is known as the world's largest gathering of futurists, bringing together thought leaders from around the globe to discuss key themes such as empowering generations, transforming humanity, and the future of economies, energy, and the environment.
In the 2025 edition, participants can meet the author and receive an exclusive pre-print copy of the book before the 2026 release.
About Author
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Sarah Sharif is a futurist, innovator, and founder of Experimental Civics.
Her ideas have appeared in Vogue Business, and she has delivered talks at Oxford University, the Dubai Future Forum, and SXSW, sharing the stage with civic leaders and royalty, including the Mayor of Austin and His Royal Highness Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands. Honors include Top 100 Innovators recognition from OBO, a United Nations Sustainable Development Bronze Award, and a Mozilla Mini Science Grant.
The Future Is Taboo is her debut business book, informed by years of work in innovation and strategic foresight. Her approach emphasizes trust and practical outcomes, helping organizations turn emerging signals into strategies and products that drive growth, reduce cost, and create advantage.
Sharif holds degrees in biological sciences and communications, and has completed executive coursework at Harvard, HEC Paris, and Copenhagen Business School.
She lives in Manhattan, New York.