Banking on Change

"When the developed world gets over its bias for "printing press–era cash technology" then complementary currencies will be commonplace here too, Rushkoff predicts. He sees a future that has people literally reprogramming their economic systems, using computer networks and handheld devices to administer new forms of grassroots cash. Those currencies could be almost anything: Cash we can use only at one local restaurant, cash cards for Wal-Mart or other chain stores, babysitting dollars we can trade in our neighborhoods."

Nokia is already trying to accomodate changes like this, given the use of prepaid minutes as currency in Africa. (Needing to transfer money to family members over long distances, consumers in the developing world load their cell phones with prepaid minutes. They subsequently transfer these minutes to another device owned by a friend, family or broker who in turn exchanges them for currency, goods or services. Nokia is creating mobile software that makes this process easier to accomplish and record.)

Taking a macro view of human history, the concept of currency is a constant. The form, however, has changed in numerous ways. Thinkers like Rushkoff are forging ahead, making educated guesses at the world of tomorrow. I think he's on the right track. I would note that the article specifies that the developed world is behind the curve. Nokia clearly isn't.