Alan Kay

Computer scientist, 1940-present

Dr. Alan Kay’s approach to innovation centers on the idea that truly transformative breakthroughs come from rethinking problems at a fundamental level. Kay is an American computer science pioneer who contributed greatly to the development of programming languages and our understanding of human-computer interaction.

Kay coined the popular phrase, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it” at a speech in 1971. Kay sees computing not just as a tool but as a medium for thought, learning, and creativity, and he has consistently advocated for deep, interdisciplinary thinking that draws from science, art, and education. 

For Kay, the process of innovation is as much about cultivating environments that foster curiosity, play, and bold experimentation as it is about the inventions themselves. This mindset reflects his belief that the future belongs to those willing to think at the right level of abstraction and to build platforms that enable others to innovate in ways the original designer could never have predicted.

Innovation is at the heart of JIL’s approach to criminal justice reform. We partner with local jurisdictions to identify the hard problems facing their communities and develop innovative solutions. In Charleston, SC, for example, we instituted a prosecutorial screening program that saved the jurisdiction 3,000 jail days and over $400,000.