In a more unpredictable and fragmented global environment, foresight helps to make sense of uncertainty and complex change. Rather than trying to predict events or a single future, it supports the systematic examination of several plausible pathways by identifying key drivers, major uncertainties, and weak signals of change. By developing alternative scenarios, testing assumptions, and examining how political, economic, technological, and societal trends interact, foresight creates space for structured analysis and spurs action to work towards creating a better future.
FIIA Foresight is a cross-cutting, institute-wide research theme that brings together researchers and programmes across FIIA to analyse possible futures using rigorous methods. It strengthens foresight-related expertise and analytical tools within the Institute, supports joint research projects and publications, and develops cooperation with external partners.
Looking beyond day-to-day diplomacy and short-term developments, FIIA Foresight focuses on longer-term structural change, emerging tensions, and potential collisions. In particular, it examines how emerging and disruptive technologies interact – directly and indirectly – with great power competition, the global economy, democracy, and domestic politics and identities. Backcasting methodologies will also be employed to empower people and organisations in their future oriented activities.