Award Categories
Foresight Change Makers
We stand on the shoulders of giants – a timeless truth that holds especially true in the field of foresight. From its roots in military planning to its diverse applications today, foresight has evolved into a powerful discipline, shaped by pioneering thinkers and transformative tools. Over time, methodologies like scenario planning, horizon scanning, strategic foresight, and participatory futures have become indispensable across sectors, helping practitioners anticipate change, manage uncertainty, and shape better futures. Yet, some tools and approaches stand out for their lasting impact – reshaping how we think about the future and expanding the boundaries of the field.
The Foresight Change Makers Award honours the individuals, teams, and organisations driving this evolution. It celebrates those creating innovative frameworks, advancing the practice of anticipation, and making foresight more accessible and inclusive. These trailblazers are not only refining existing tools – they’re reimagining what foresight can achieve. As more youth, Indigenous communities, and grassroots organisations adopt and adapt foresight for their own futures, this Award shines a spotlight on the catalysts of this growing movement – those who are transforming foresight from a specialist discipline into a global, participatory practice.
Foresight for People
Foresight with purpose and impact drives many individuals to engage with this dynamic field. For practitioners, it's not only about anticipating or imagining the future – it’s about shaping it with intention and clarity. While foresight is often embedded within broader strategic frameworks, it is sometimes only partially implemented or treated as a secondary element. Yet in certain cases, foresight activities – whether scenario planning, visioning, or horizon scanning – go beyond theory to deliver real, tangible outcomes. These efforts can drive meaningful change, influencing decisions that shape societies, economies, and environments.
The Foresight for People Award celebrates outstanding individuals, teams, and organisations who have used foresight to create lasting, positive change for people and communities. By applying forward-looking strategies and tools, they have addressed complex challenges and improved quality of life across diverse contexts. Whether guiding policy, transforming institutions, or advancing social progress, these foresight pioneers demonstrate the true power of planning with purpose. Their work proves that foresight is not only a way to prepare for change – but a force to shape a better future.
Foresight for the Planet
Purposeful foresight, when applied to the planet and its countless species, holds the power to shape our collective future. In a time of escalating environmental challenges, the need for tools that help us anticipate, plan, and respond has never been more urgent. Techniques such as anticipatory thinking, scenario development, and long-term forecasting are not just academic – they are essential instruments for engaging stakeholders and guiding decisions that safeguard planetary health. These methods empower us to explore possible futures, test ideas, and design strategies to protect the natural world for generations to come. Anticipatory approaches are crucial for addressing the complex forces impacting ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate. They help us navigate uncertainty, identify emerging risks, and uncover opportunities for meaningful action.
The Foresight for the Planet Award recognises those who have leveraged foresight to make a lasting contribution to the protection and restoration of nature. These changemakers don’t just imagine future challenges – they craft and implement solutions that heal the planet, protect ecosystems, and preserve the biodiversity that sustains life. By applying foresight to environmental sustainability, these pioneers create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond their immediate work. Their efforts remind us that, with the right tools and mindset, we can shape a future in which both people and nature thrive – together.