Foresight in the Twenty-First Century and Methodological Advancements

The evolution of Foresight has witnessed a transformative journey from individual foresight to the Institutional Foresight known today. Originating in defense-oriented activities post-World War II, foresight has adapted to address diverse challenges, incorporating a shift from forecasting to scenario thinking. The 1980s marked a turn toward innovation systems, emphasizing collaboration across sectors. As global challenges like climate change emerged, foresight exercises became inclusive, involving various stakeholders. With the introduction of Systemic Foresight Methodology, the approach became interconnected, acknowledging the systemic nature of the world. Foresight, encompassing multiple time horizons, evolved to address immediate as well as long-term futures. Beyond the traditional strongholds of the USA and Europe, nations like Japan, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa have embraced foresight. Toward the Systemic Foresight Methodology (SFM), a conceptual framework emphasizing systems thinking, addresses the complexity and uncertainty of the future. SFM involves iterative phases such as initiation, intelligence, imagination, integration, interpretation, implementation, impact, and interaction. The systemic perspective highlights interconnected actors, emphasizing cooperation and conflicts. The 21st century Foresight envisions new horizons shaped by technologies like Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, and virtual reality. Foresight-on-site advocates incorporating foresight into daily routines, making it a collective endeavor involving diverse stakeholders. The era of “Collective Human Artificial Intelligence” (CHAI) underlines the synergy between human creativity and machine analytics in shaping foresight, posing questions about what is possible, feasible, and desirable for the future.