Shaping What's Next: a Practical Guide to Foresight

The future seems ever more uncertain. At a time of geopolitical and technological shifts, climate risks and social polarization, public institutions and civil society are facing a rapidly transforming world. They’re asking how they can navigate today’s world and make decisions that prepare them for tomorrow, while proactively and optimistically driving their agendas for desirable change.

Futures thinking and strategic foresight can help make sense of and navigate our uncertain future. Grounded in futures studies and based on tested approaches, foresight offers a range of tools to steer through evolving challenges and does so with a focus on possibilities and transformative potential. 

But stakeholders in Germany lack practical guidance on how to incorporate futures thinking and strategic foresight into their work. To bridge this gap, GPPi is developing a hands-on, accessible futures thinking resource, tailored to the needs of civil society and public institutions. It will be available in German and English, and will offer practical guidance on how to practice foresight across a range of different organizations.

Supported by Stiftung Mercator, the resource will be developed in close dialogue with stakeholders. It draws on the priorities and experiences of prospective users, as they navigate challenging political headwinds while trying to shape the future.

If you are interested in learning more about our work on futures literacy and connecting with us, get in touch with Paul Flachenecker.

This project is made possible with support from Stiftung Mercator.