Strategic Foresight: Learning from the Future

Strategic Foresight is a set of skills and tools used to explore potential futures, so that you can plan for and take advantage of those futures.
The book first explores how we think about the future, looking at ambiguity and uncertainty. It introduces a simple model of preferred thinking styles and talks about the ‘baggage’ and values that form our perceptions.

The next section covers models, tools and maps that people will find useful for developing their own Strategic Foresight and using this knowledge to make decisions, whilst uncovering innovation and creativity to turn this Foresight knowledge to competitive advantage.

The next two sections cover:
• How to identify emerging trends; what impact they may have on your business; the strategic importance of early recognition; and how to apply the knowledge in your business.
• Harnessing Strategic Foresight as a springboard for innovation and creativity to develop new paradigms and take advantage of what may come.

Finally, the author describes a practical method for exploring potential futures for your business in order to take robust decisions and develop strategies that help you work towards your preferred future.

Case studies are interspersed throughout the book, along with exercises to encourage readers to ‘think along’ with the ideas.