Learn to use proven foresight methods for better strategy, policy and innovation.
  • Increase your strategic skills
  • Help your organization understand the future
  • For professionals who deal with future-oriented, long term, complex issues
  • Learn everything you need for a future-proof strategy or policy
  • No quick-fix but solid theory and insight
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Is your organization ready for the future?

Do you have an answer to the above question? Do you know what methods you can use to answer this question? In this time when the world is constantly changing and uncertainty seems to be the only constant, the COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably left its mark on society and businesses worldwide. It has challenged our traditional ways of thinking and forced us to embrace new ways of working and living. The pandemic has highlighted the urgency of being able to anticipate and deal with unforeseen circumstances, making foresight skills more essential than ever before. Furthermore, the recent wars in Ukraine and the Middle-East, with their geopolitical implications and economic consequences, have heightened global instability and underlines the need for resilience and foresight in an increasingly complex world. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on society, such as changes in employment and privacy, adds another layer of complexity to this dynamic landscape. And these are just a few examples of dramatic changes affecting our future.

What does that mean for yourorganization?

We're all familiar with once-thriving companies like Kodak, Blockbuster and Toys' R Us that lost their grip on the future. Because they failed to identify large-scale, disruptive changes in time, they were overtaken by competitors and lost their dominant market position. The price they paid was high. But the future does not have to be elusive. Discover in this course how strategic foresight helps you get a grip on what is to come. Learn methods that pave the way for better strategies, innovation and policymaking.

 

No quick-fix solutions, but profound insight and knowledge

The ability to work effectively with strategic foresight is invaluable to a wide range of professionals. For example, you strengthen the following skills:

  • Stay ahead of your competitors
  • Anticipate changes and not let them overwhelm you
  • Understanding the impact of trends and developments on organizations
  • Make informed strategic decisions
  • Developing a common language regarding change
  • Promoting a positive view of the future
  • View of a broader long-term action perspective
  • Converting threats into opportunities

In this course we offer a range of methods and techniques, including trend analysis, scenarioplanning, three horizons, science fiction prototyping, wildcards and roadmapping. These methods are thoroughly explained and you will have the opportunity to apply them through practical exercises. We don't aim for quick fixes that provide a short-term outcome; instead, we teach you how to choose the best approach that suits your organization and specific challenges.

This course is taught by Silke den Hartog - de Wilde. She studied Human Geography and Planning at Utrecht University. She worked as foresight consultant and trainer for over fifteen years for various organizations, including the European Commission, the Dutch Ministries of Defense and Social Affairs, the Province of Overijssel, the Municipality of Utrecht, Océ Printers, the Netherlands Centre for Technology Studies, and the Dutch Department of Waterways and Public Works. Currently, she works part-time for the Dutch Tax Administration, focusing on renewing their strategic foresight processes.

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What do our participants say?

Jannes de Vries, Dutch Rural Area Service

“This course has given me a clear overview of methods and techniques for strategic foresight and the insight to apply it in the right context.”

Maarten Claassen, Waternet

“The teachers offer a good perspective on the versatility of exploring the future, through the right mix of theory and practical experience.”

Marjolein de Ridder, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

'I now work actively with foresight studies and I draw a lot from what I do t I learned in the course.”

An eye for context

In addition to the variety of methods, the unique thing about this course is that the methods are placed in the perspective of the organizational culture and the sector in which they are used. Attention is paid to group dynamic aspects that may arise during explorations. In this way, participants are not only introduced to the methodological steps, but also gain insight into the context in which they are applied.

For future-oriented professionals

Are you a professional who works on future-oriented issues? Do you need to provide advice on issues related to change, uncertainty and complexity? Would you like to know which methods you can use to prepare and guide difficult decisions about the future of your organization? Are you looking for a structured way to explore the future? Then this course is definitely for you!

What would it benefit your organization if you could advise your colleagues, managers or directors about the long-term strategy? If you feel confident and have the tools to facilitate a complex conversation and help your organization make better decisions for the future? When important choices are no longer made based on gut feeling, but on the basis of a well-considered exploration of the future?

In the online learning environment you study at your own pace. Below you will find an overview of the 18 modules from the ecourse Strategic Foresight for Professionals:

Module 1: Introduction
What exactly do we mean by exploring the future? Who uses foresight studies? When and for what?
Module 2: Preparing a Strategic Foresight project
Good preparation takes some time, but it helps you make the right choices. For example with regard to methods, techniques and communication.
Module 3: Three Horizons
With Three Horizons we map the dynamics of change and we can investigate behavioral patterns of actors involved in change (maintaining the known or creating new opportunities).
Module 4: Trendanalysis
What are trends, how do you identify and assess them? How do trends compare to other methods such as scenario planning?
Module 5: Delphi research for Strategic Foresight
This method helps you to efficiently reach consensus with a group of experts or to discover where the uncertainty lies.
Module 6: Meta-analysis
In this module you will learn how to make smart use of existing scenario- and trendstudies.
Module 7: Wild cards
Discover how you can identify and discuss unexpected events with a major impact on an organization or society.
Module 8: Scenario planning - a brief historical overview
A brief introduction to one of the most well-known methods for strategic foresight: scenario planning.
Module 9: Types of Scenarios
Scenario planning is an important method for exploring the future. What types of scenarios are there and when do you use them?
Module 10: Scenario frameworks
To create good scenarios you need the right framework that suits your research question and your target group.
Module 11: Developing scenarios
After you have laid the foundation with a good scenario framework, you further develop your scenarios using text and images.
Module 12: Testtunnelling
How do you test strategies in different future scenarios? When and how do you change strategy?
Module 13: Science Fiction Prototyping
An innovative, narrative method for strategic foresight, especially effective for technological issues.
Module 14: Roadmapping
Achieving a desired future by working backwards from a vision of the future.
Module 15: Navigating resistance to change in Strategic Foresight
How do you deal with resistance from participants or target groups? Think about how you find supporters and deal with opponents.
Module 16: Embedding strategic foresight in your organization
How do you structurally implement strategic foresight within your organization or team? How do you integrate these with existing business processes?
Module 17: Choosing the right method
Which method do you choose, based on the issue, the organization or the time you have?
Module 18: Pitfalls and success factors
Tips for a successful future exploration (and the pitfalls you want to avoid).

We continuously adapt this course, based on questions from participants or new insights. For the most current overview of the teaching modules, see the registration page for the course.

What you get:

Your investment for this course is €675 (ex VAT). You can pay with credit card in our online learning environment or receive an invoice and transfer the amount.

After we have received your payment, you will receive access to the course as soon as possible. You get:

  • Direct access to our online learning environment.

  • Each module consists of video lessons with handouts and practical exercises to apply immediately.

  • Videos provided by Silke den Hartog – de Wilde, an experienced professional with more than fifteen years of experience in strategic foresight.

  • Personal feedback on exercises you complete within 5 working days.

    With this online course you will learn which methods of strategic foresight you can use to create a better strategy or policy. This enhances your strategic skills and makes you a future-oriented professional.

    If this is something for you, go to the registration form below.

    Or email admin@toekomstverkennen.nl.

    We hope to see you soon!

    Team Toekomstverkennen.nl

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