So while people will always try to build C-3PO-style machines that look and talk like us, the real advances will come in individual components we design to do one job well. Human intelligence arose from the unconscious co-operation of such systems to sustain the organism. Maybe if we get the constituent ‘smart’ parts right, a true AI system will spontaneously evolve — dare we say it — intelligently…

If the above are among your benchmarks, you might end up disappointed according to a recent flood of books warning us away from The Chase. It’s a clich√© that human nature is to always want more (food, power, etc) — according to zoology and behavioural science it was hardwired into us millions of years ago.

Moderated by Austrade chief economist Tim Harcourt, science reporter Robyn Williams, Perth Lord Mayer Lisa Scaffidi and notables from the government, resources and planning sectors played the roles of future Prime Ministers, Premiers, Planning Ministers, Economic and Science Advisors and more.