You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]


The EU must latch onto the change of tack announced by the United States regarding international trade, and use it as an opportunity to redefine its own trade policy, according to France’s Secretary of State for Foreign Trade. EURACTIV France reports.

President Donald Trump’s decision to take the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the world’s biggest free trade agreement, heralded the beginning of a new era in global trade policy.

The European Union will have to rethink its trade policy if it wants to contend for the position of global free trade leader, vacated by the United States.

“The American election handed Europe a unique opportunity to confirm itself as the world’s leading trading power,” Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Matthias Fekl told MPs in Paris on Tuesday (24 January).

European protectionism

“What will we Europeans do in response to this American protectionism?” asked Pierre Lellouche, a centre-right Republican MP and former secretary of state for foreign trade.

Lamy: 'Trumponomics' won't contaminate Europe Former World Trade Organisation chief and EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy has denounced Donald Trump’s protectionist trade policy for being outdated, telling a EURACTIV event he isn’t concerned that European politicians will follow the new US president’s cue.

“This should change the attitude of the European Union towards trade negotiations,” he added, calling on Europe to leave behind its “voluntary servitude” on the issue of free trade.

“There is an inversion of roles,” said Fekl. “On the one hand we have President Trump, who has adopted a very harmful attitude of withdrawal and national egotism, and on the other, the Chinese president attended Davos to present himself as the defender of international free trade.”

“It is quite interesting on an intellectual level, but it is also very worrying in reality,” the secretary of state added.

But the White House’s new-found protectionism could provide just the shockwave the EU needs to advance its stagnant trade policy.

TTIP and CETA

In 2016, a barrage of criticism of the contents of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and the US, the lack of transparency surrounding the negotiations and the lack of progress on important chapters brought the embryonic trade deal to a standstill.

“To me it looks like time is up for TTIP,” said Fekl, adding that “the European Commission appears to think differently.”

In fact, in spite of the stalled negotiations and the election of Donald Trump, Brussels has continued to promote TTIP.

TTIP: Negotiations ‘in the void’ Negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) are forging ahead, despite opposition from a number of countries. And the American elections are almost certain to compromise the deal. EURACTIV France reports.

Another thorn in the side of EU trade policy is the free trade deal with Canada (CETA), which is currently in the process of being ratified in the European Parliament. Pressure from France and Belgium over the Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanism (ISDS) has delayed this process significantly.

Wallonia proposes new rules for negotiating international trade deals The Belgian region of Wallonia, which gained worldwide notoriety by keeping the CETA agreement and an EU-Canada summit hostage for several days, unveiled the Namur Declaration on Monday (5 December), proposing a new way to negotiate international trade treaties.

For Fekl, the creation of a future international trade court in place of the ISDS mechanism, which would block companies from attacking public policy decisions regarding a country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, bring added legitimacy to the deal. “But it will be up to you to ratify it,” he told MPs.

Not only will the agreement have to be ratified by the European Parliament, but also by the EU’s 28 national parliaments. This concession from the EU executive threatens to sink the agreement.

The French parliament will examine a resolution next Thursday (2 February), proposing that CETA should be ratified by referendum, rather than a parliamentary vote.

After these many defeats, Fekl called on Brussels to end the EU’s “routine of opening negotiation after negotiation without asking if there is any value in it”.

Reform proposal

“At EU level, we are continuing to push for this to be integrated into the communal doctrine, but we are not there yet, far from it,” the secretary of state said. France’s proposals on trade policy have not had great success in recent years.

One of these proposals is to bring MPs to the table in international trade negotiations.

On environmental issues, Fekl also wants to make the integration of new challenges into trade negotiations mandatory, “to conclude modern agreements that contribute to the COP 21 commitments”.

Similar processes should be established with regard to social issues, in coordination with the International Labour Organisation, according to Fekl.

Other proposals concern the reduction of the duration of the negotiating mandate given to the Commission by member states, which today is open-ended. As a result, some trade negotiations, like those with Mercosur, have been dragging on since 1999 with no end in sight.