Tom Standage

Deputy Editor of The Economist, Author of New York Times Bestselling History Books, Former Deputy Technology Editor of The Daily Telegraph & Leading Expert on Global Trends

Tom Standage’s Biography:

Tom Standage is the Deputy Editor of The Economist and Editor of its influential annual publication, The World Ahead. Recognised as one of the leading commentators on global trends, future forecasting and the relationship between history and technology, Tom has built a reputation for making complex ideas accessible and relevant to modern audiences. His expertise spans technology, digital transformation, geopolitics and societal change, making him a highly sought-after keynote speaker for business leaders, policymakers and innovators.

Tom studied engineering and computer science at the University of Oxford before beginning his journalism career with The Guardian. He later became Deputy Editor of the technology section at The Daily Telegraph, where he developed a strong reputation for covering emerging technologies. In 1998, he joined The Economist as Science Correspondent and steadily progressed through a series of senior editorial positions, including Technology Editor, Business Editor and Digital Editor. During his tenure, he also created and launched Espresso, The Economist’s successful daily news app, demonstrating his ability to innovate within digital media.

Alongside his journalism career, Tom is an acclaimed author of seven books exploring the connections between technology, history and society. His works include ‘The Victorian Internet’, ‘A History of the World in 6 Glasses’ and ‘An Edible History of Humanity’, the latter two becoming New York Times bestsellers. His 2021 book, ‘A Brief History of Motion’, was selected as a New York Times Editors’ Choice. He has also explored the evolution of communication in Writing on the Wall, a study of social media across two millennia.

Beyond publishing and editorial leadership, Tom is known for his engaging public speaking and media appearances. He regularly analyses global developments and future trends for international audiences, drawing on decades of research and observation. His ability to connect historical precedents with contemporary challenges provides audiences with practical perspectives on innovation, technology and the future of society.

Why Hire Tom Standage?

Tom offers audiences a rare combination of historical perspective, technological expertise and future-focused analysis. Drawing on his leadership at The Economist, bestselling books and extensive research into innovation, he explains how major global shifts affect businesses, governments and society. His acclaimed TED talk, ‘Lessons from Ancient Social Media’, demonstrates his talent for uncovering surprising parallels between the past and present. Insightful, engaging and highly relevant, Tom equips audiences with the knowledge needed to understand emerging trends and prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Tom Standage‘s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Tom Standage’s remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Edited and published ‘The World Ahead 2025’, analysing the key global trends expected to shape the year.
  • 2024 – Released ‘The World Ahead 2024’, providing forecasts on politics, technology and the global economy.
  • 2023 – Delivered keynote speeches for the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on global trends and future forecasting.
  • 2021 – Published ‘A Brief History of Motion’, which was selected as a New York Times Editors’ Choice.
  • 2013 – Published ‘Writing on the Wall’, examining the history of social media over the past 2,000 years.
  • 2010 – Launched Espresso, The Economist’s daily news app, helping expand its digital reach.
  • 2009 – Published ‘An Edible History of Humanity’, which became a New York Times bestseller.
  • 2005 – Published ‘A History of the World in 6 Glasses’, another New York Times bestselling title.
  • 1998 – Joined The Economist as Science Correspondent and published The Victorian Internet, a pioneering comparison between the telegraph and the modern internet.