Systems Thinking for Strategic Foresight

Program Overview

Impactful foresight work requires us to think broadly, contextually, and systematically. The Systems Thinking for Strategic Foresight course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how systems thinking and foresight are interlinked historically and how the two domains approach navigating complex challenges and identifying potential opportunities.

The course will explain the core theories and concepts of systems science and systems thinking as they relate to the study and application of systems thinking in foresight. A systems lens to anticipating futures enables you to develop the knowledge and competencies to frame, analyze, understand, and build a sustainable future. 

Details

Program Objectives:

• Understand the foundational concepts and principles of Systems Thinking with chaos and complexity theories with foresight as a context. 
• Explore the interconnections of Systems Thinking and Foresight and identify ways to integrate both approaches to spot weak signals and opportunities. 
•  Learn the methods and tools in systems thinking for envisioning alternative futures. 
• Demonstrate practical applications and share real-world case studies through group exercises to study and apply systems thinking in foresight practice. 

What You Will Learn:

• Foundations of Systems Thinking, including chaos and complexity theory with foresight as context. 
• Familiarize yourself with several systems thinking tools and techniques and apply them in envisioning alternative futures. 
• Integrate and explore how systems thinking enhances foresight methodologies and approaches. 
• Examine case studies and real-world examples of Systems Thinking applied to foresight. 

Key Benefits:

The Systems Thinking for Strategic Foresight program builds the capacity to apply systems thinking, respond to change, and lead organizations with stronger foresight. Learning outcomes include:

• Holistic Perspective: Sharpen your foresight by developing a broader understanding of complex systems, which helps you see how interconnections influence outcomes and challenges within your organization.
• Complexity Navigation: Learn practical tools to analyze complex systems, helping you anticipate the ripple effects of decisions and make better choices in uncertain, fast-changing environments.
• Future-Ready Strategy: Develop the capacity to think long-term and create robust, adaptive, and sustainable strategies that enable your organization to avoid short-sighted decisions and remain resilient in shifting markets.
• Enhanced Foresight Practice: Complement your foresight tools with systems thinking, deepening your ability to study trends, test scenarios, and prepare for future uncertainties.
• Systems Literacy: Develop fluency in systems thinking, enabling you to interpret complex futures with clarity and apply systems-based approaches to leadership, innovation, and organizational transformation.

Who Should Attend:

Foresight practitioners, policy analysts and decision-makers, urban planners and city administrators, sustainability practitioners, business strategists and innovators, researchers, academics, and professionals in various industries.