What is foresight?
Foresight is an approach that gives us the power to shape the future – not just let it happen. It is not about predicting the future, no one can do that, but about working with scenarios about possible futures based on the knowledge we have today. With their help, we can make the decisions today that shape our tomorrow the way we want.
I Vinnovas foresight work, we work data-driven and identify patterns based on signals - both from our own reports and applications and through analyzes from other actors in the world who work with signal acquisition and analysis. We also have qualitative dialogue with actors in the world who are far ahead in foresight work. In this way, we can see when, for example, changed behaviours, new business models or new services are about to emerge. Based on what is most important for the necessary change we are facing, we select areas where we will create in-depth scenarios.
One way to work with scenarios is future prototypes. Future prototypes can create commitment, help us identify the society we want and accelerate development towards a more sustainable society.
That is why we work with foresight
The global challenges are great, at the same time that societal development is accelerating. To be able to make the courageous decisions required - tools are needed that can help us understand what lies ahead. In order to handle changes and new challenges, Vinnova, just like other actors in the innovation system, needs to get better at understanding the future.
With the help of foresight, Vinnova can make more strategic decisions and be prepared for various possible events in the future, and how to deal with them. It is a power we do not use today. Therefore, we want to explore how we as public authority work best with these tools, and how we can collaborate with other actors to get as much exchange as possible.
Foresight Wednesday
One Wednesday a month, Vinnova invites you to foresight Wednesday. During 50 minutes, you get to take part in a number of short explorations - where the participants share signals they have perceived, which they think can develop into something new or changing. No pre-registration is required. Foresight Monday takes place via Microsoft Teams. Dates for upcoming foresight Wednesday for spring 2024 are: 24/1, 21/2, 17/4, 15/5, 12/6 at 12:05.
Please note that on March 20 we will broadcast via Youtube instead, as we have placed our foresight Wednesday under the umbrella Sweden Innovation Days!See more here