Future thinking involves thinking about actions taken in the past, choices made in the present and their effects on the possible futures we might have. It helps us anticipate how the solutions of today may, or may not, become the problems of tomorrow.
It involves having a vision of the future, and understanding the risks and opportunities in getting there, and choosing the best path to take. The further into the future we look, the more uncertain the outcome.
The aim of future thinking is to be aware of potential futures for which strategies, policies, products etc can be created.
By the end of this guide, you will:
Know what future thinking is and how it can be applied at university and beyond
Be aware of tools that can be used for Future Thinking
Understand how Future thinking can help drive change and innovation
Be aware of the link between current issues and their impact on the future
Understand identifying risks and their probability
Know how to create a “vision” of the future