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Government foresight programs

Governments of many nations have long understood that it is critical to take a structured approach to thinking about the future in order to better build prosperous societies.

Below is a summary of major agencies from a select group of major countries that have an explicit remit for foresight activities. In the next weeks we intend to significantly expand the scope of this analysis to include other nations and a broader view of future-oriented policy initiatives in the countries already covered.


Australia

Australia has used strategic foresight in its public sector many times including its own Commission for the Future (1985-1998). Scenario planning reports have been produced by the Australian Taxation Service, Australian Federal Police, Child Support Agency, CSIRO’s Data61, and other agencies. Many of these agencies have either ended, stopped doing foresight work, or do not share their foresight work publicly. However, strategic foresight has been practiced so pervasively in Australia that a foresight capacity still remains in many of these agencies especially the Department of Transport and Regional Services and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

CSIRO Futures

Description
CSIRO stands for Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. They are an independent scientific research organization within the Australian Federal Government. CSIRO Futures is an arm of the organization that offers services to corporate and government clients. The primary service is Delphi reports, but they also perform scenario planning and other futures/ foresight techniques.
Created
2014
Staff
10
Recent projects
Case Studies
Other Publications
Reports
Description
CSIRO stands for Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. They are an independent scientific research organization within the Australian Federal Government. CSIRO Futures is an arm of the organization that offers services to corporate and government clients. The primary service is Delphi reports, but they also perform scenario planning and other futures/ foresight techniques.
Created
2014
Staff
10
Recent projects
Case Studies
Other Publications
Reports

Canada

Canada’s foresight activities developed in similar trajectories as in the US and Europe. In the 1960s and 70s, the Canadian government encouraged a future focus which dimmed somewhat in the 80s and 90s. However, as the 90s gave way to the new millenium, strategic foresight was adopted at the federal level and has grown more integral across several of Canada’s government agencies.

Horizons Canada

Description
Policy Horizons Canada, or simply Horizons, seeks to instil strategic foresight at the highest levels of Canadian government. They work within the federal public service of Canada and use strategic foresight to explore public policy implications over the next 10-15 years. The primary audience is public servants needing to understand the ramifications of their decisions on current issues.
Created
1996
Staff
36
Key personnel
Peter Padbury – Chief Futurist
Recent projects
Canada 2030
Methodologies
Module 1: Introduction to Foresight
Tip Sheet: Sources of Scanning
Other Publications
List of publications of Horizons Canada
Description
Policy Horizons Canada, or simply Horizons, seeks to instil strategic foresight at the highest levels of Canadian government. They work within the federal public service of Canada and use strategic foresight to explore public policy implications over the next 10-15 years. The primary audience is public servants needing to understand the ramifications of their decisions on current issues.
Created
1996
Staff
36
Key personnel
Peter Padbury – Chief Futurist
Recent projects
Canada 2030
Methodologies
Module 1: Introduction to Foresight
Tip Sheet: Sources of Scanning
Other Publications
List of publications of Horizons Canada

European Union

The roots of futures planning coalesced in Europe during WWI and grew more intensely through the interwar years and through WWII. Futures studies began to blossom everywhere after WWII particularly in Europe. So, futures/ foresight perspectives were utilized very early on in the development of the EU. Through the years, the European Parliament and the European Commission have sought the expertise of foresight practitioners on multiple issues.

Scientific Foresight (STOA) Unit (European Parliament)

Description
The Scientific Foresight Unit (STOA) carries out interdisciplinary research and provides strategic advice in the field of science and technology options assessment and scientific foresight. It undertakes in-depth studies and organises workshops on developments in these fields, under the guidance of the STOA Panel of 25 MEPs. The STOA Panel forms an integral part of the structure of the European Parliament. It was established in 1987 as Science and Technology Options Assessment (STOA), and in 2014, it was renamed Scientific Foresight (STOA) Unit with an explicit foresight role in science and technology.
Created
1987
Staff
25 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)
Key personnel
Eva Kaili – Chair
Recent projects
STOA workshops and annual conferences which are free and open to the public
Methodologies
Towards scientific foresight in the European Parliament
Other Publications
Studies and Options Briefs
Description
The Scientific Foresight Unit (STOA) carries out interdisciplinary research and provides strategic advice in the field of science and technology options assessment and scientific foresight. It undertakes in-depth studies and organises workshops on developments in these fields, under the guidance of the STOA Panel of 25 MEPs. The STOA Panel forms an integral part of the structure of the European Parliament. It was established in 1987 as Science and Technology Options Assessment (STOA), and in 2014, it was renamed Scientific Foresight (STOA) Unit with an explicit foresight role in science and technology.
Created
1987
Staff
25 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs)
Key personnel
Eva Kaili – Chair
Recent projects
STOA workshops and annual conferences which are free and open to the public
Methodologies
Towards scientific foresight in the European Parliament
Other Publications
Studies and Options Briefs

European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS)

Description
The ESPAS is a unique inter-institutional project aimed at strengthening the EU’s efforts in the crucial area of forward planning. ESPAS brings together the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Secretariat General of the Council of the European Union and the European External Action Service to strengthen the Union’s collective administrative capacity to identify and analyse the key trends and challenges, and the resulting policy choices, which are likely to confront Europe and the wider world in the decades ahead.
Created
2010
Staff
ESPAS is coodinated by a steering group, encompassing senior officials from the participating EU institutions or bodies, chaired by the Head of the European Political Strategy Centre (EPSC) in the European Commission. The secretariat of the network is provided by the European Parliament and the ESPAS project team implements the guidelines decided by the steering group.
Key personnel
Ann Mettler – Head, European Political Strategy Centre and Chair, ESPAS
Recent projects
One of the primary projects for the ESPAS is to maintain ORBIS, the Open Repository on International Strategic Studies
Methodologies
Strategic Foresight Primer
Other Publications
Conference on Global Trends to 2030: Geopolitics
Description
The ESPAS is a unique inter-institutional project aimed at strengthening the EU’s efforts in the crucial area of forward planning. ESPAS brings together the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Secretariat General of the Council of the European Union and the European External Action Service to strengthen the Union’s collective administrative capacity to identify and analyse the key trends and challenges, and the resulting policy choices, which are likely to confront Europe and the wider world in the decades ahead.
Created
2010
Staff
ESPAS is coodinated by a steering group, encompassing senior officials from the participating EU institutions or bodies, chaired by the Head of the European Political Strategy Centre (EPSC) in the European Commission. The secretariat of the network is provided by the European Parliament and the ESPAS project team implements the guidelines decided by the steering group.
Key personnel
Ann Mettler – Head, European Political Strategy Centre and Chair, ESPAS
Recent projects
One of the primary projects for the ESPAS is to maintain ORBIS, the Open Repository on International Strategic Studies
Methodologies
Strategic Foresight Primer
Other Publications
Conference on Global Trends to 2030: Geopolitics

EU Policy Lab

Description
The EU Policy Lab is part of the EU Joint Research Centre. The organisation seeks to foster creativity and engagement, and to develop interactions, processes and tools able to bring innovation into European policy-making. Their work is articulated around four complementary dimensions: Foresight, Modelling, Behavioural Insights, and Design for Policy.
Created
2014
Staff
24
Key personnel
Xavier Troussard – Head of the Policy Lab
Recent projects
Here is a list of recent projects
Methodologies
 
Other Publications
Blog
Description
The EU Policy Lab is part of the EU Joint Research Centre. The organisation seeks to foster creativity and engagement, and to develop interactions, processes and tools able to bring innovation into European policy-making. Their work is articulated around four complementary dimensions: Foresight, Modelling, Behavioural Insights, and Design for Policy.
Created
2014
Staff
24
Key personnel
Xavier Troussard – Head of the Policy Lab
Recent projects
Here is a list of recent projects
Methodologies
 
Other Publications
Blog

Finland

The Prime Minister’s Office coordinates several foresight pubic sector activities in Finland including the Government Report on the Future. The report is published once per electoral term and presents key issues for the nation in the next 10-20 years.

Government Foresight Group

Description
Launched in 2015, the group is tasked with coordinating foresight activities and merging them together with decision-making. The group is made up of experts within the Prime Minister’s Offcice, other public sector agencies, think tanks, research organizations, and universities.
Created
2015
Staff
11
Key personnel
Markku Wilenius – Professor from Finland Futures Research Centre
Recent projects
Cooperative and continuous foresight
Description
Launched in 2015, the group is tasked with coordinating foresight activities and merging them together with decision-making. The group is made up of experts within the Prime Minister’s Offcice, other public sector agencies, think tanks, research organizations, and universities.
Created
2015
Staff
11
Key personnel
Markku Wilenius – Professor from Finland Futures Research Centre
Recent projects
Cooperative and continuous foresight

Sitra

Description
Sitra is not an agency but an innovation fund worth 30 million euros a year. Although the fund is now independent, the organization answers directly to the Finnish Parliament. Having begun in the 1960s, the organization took a particular focus on futurology in 1977. Currently, they employ several “foresight specialists” in a Foresight and Insight Team.
Created
1966
Staff
200
Key personnel
Paula Laine – Director of Foresight, Insight, and Strategy
Recent projects
New Era of Well-Being
Methodologies
Governments for the Future
Other Publications
Megatrend Cards
Description
Sitra is not an agency but an innovation fund worth 30 million euros a year. Although the fund is now independent, the organization answers directly to the Finnish Parliament. Having begun in the 1960s, the organization took a particular focus on futurology in 1977. Currently, they employ several “foresight specialists” in a Foresight and Insight Team.
Created
1966
Staff
200
Key personnel
Paula Laine – Director of Foresight, Insight, and Strategy
Recent projects
New Era of Well-Being
Methodologies
Governments for the Future
Other Publications
Megatrend Cards

Parliament’s Committee on the Future

Description
The committee was created in 1993 as a temporary committee to coordinate Parliament’s answer to the Prime Minister Office’s Government Report on the Future. The committee became permanent in 2000 and atracted more responsibility, albeit less than any other committee in the Finnish Parliament. It acts as a think tank for Parliament on future, technology, and society.
Created
1993
Staff
17
Key personnel
Carl Haglund – Chair
Recent projects
For the Next Generation
Methodologies
Committee for the Future
Description
The committee was created in 1993 as a temporary committee to coordinate Parliament’s answer to the Prime Minister Office’s Government Report on the Future. The committee became permanent in 2000 and atracted more responsibility, albeit less than any other committee in the Finnish Parliament. It acts as a think tank for Parliament on future, technology, and society.
Created
1993
Staff
17
Key personnel
Carl Haglund – Chair
Recent projects
For the Next Generation
Methodologies
Committee for the Future

France

In the 1950s and 60s, Bertrand de Jouvenel, founder of Futuribles journal and association, helped develop futures/ foresight into a field of study with government applications. In French the term “prospective” was used to describe this budding field, and it carries a different connotation than futurology (which was common in English speaking countries at the time), futures, or foresight. Largely because of the efforts of Futuribles, prospective is becoming increasingly accepted as a strategic method in the French government.

Commissariat général à l’égalité des territoires (General Commissariat for Equality of the Territories) (CGET)

Description
Under the Minister of Territorial Cohesion, the purpose for CGET is to reduce inequalities within the territories of France. They are organized into three main areas. Foresight is the first department under the strategic directive. They produce foresight (prospective) reports about the future of France’s territories to help them improve decision making.
Created
2009
Staff
30
Key personnel
Stephane Cordobes – Head of Office of Foresight and Studies
Recent projects
Future of Additive Manufacturing
Other Publications
The urban phenomenon: an asset for the future
Description
Under the Minister of Territorial Cohesion, the purpose for CGET is to reduce inequalities within the territories of France. They are organized into three main areas. Foresight is the first department under the strategic directive. They produce foresight (prospective) reports about the future of France’s territories to help them improve decision making.
Created
2009
Staff
30
Key personnel
Stephane Cordobes – Head of Office of Foresight and Studies
Recent projects
Future of Additive Manufacturing
Other Publications
The urban phenomenon: an asset for the future

Délégation sénatoriale à la prospective (Senate Delegation of Foresight)

Description
Under the Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Options, the Senate Delegation of Foresight explores different future scenarios based on social, technological, and economic data. The mission is to aid the senate in decision making especially with regards to technological advancement.
Created
2009
Staff
36
Recent projects
A crisis in search of an end – When history stutters
Other Publications
Homepage
Description
Under the Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Options, the Senate Delegation of Foresight explores different future scenarios based on social, technological, and economic data. The mission is to aid the senate in decision making especially with regards to technological advancement.
Created
2009
Staff
36
Recent projects
A crisis in search of an end – When history stutters
Other Publications
Homepage

Greece

The Hellenic Republic of Greece has recently established a Special Secretariat of Foresight, in recognition of the importance of foresight studies to effective governance. It has commenced a series of studies and reports, centered around its “Greece 2050” project.

Special Secretariat of Foresight, in the Presidency of the Government, of the Hellenic Republic

Description
In March 2022 the Special Secretariat of Foresight was established at the Presidency of the Greek Government.

In April 2022 a working group was established for the delivery of the “Greece 2050” project. After the publication of the “Megatrends 2040” study, the Bureau of the Government proceeded to establish the Special Secretariat of Foresight. The mission of the Special Secretariat is:
– Applying foresight to detect future challenges, risks and opportunities for the country.
– Supporting the long-term planning of the government in order to assure the resilience and strategic autonomy of the country
– Supporting the active participant of the Greek Society in shaping the future

The Special Secretariat of Foresight is composed of the Foresight Office, which consist of the following three Departments:
– Cooperation and Networking
– Research and Documentation
– International Relations

Created
2022
Staff
8+
Key personnel
Yannis Mastrogeorgiou – Special Secretary of Foresight Strategy
Recent projects
Study on the future of the innovation environment in Greece until 2035
Methodologies
Various Methods – The foresight methods allow us to scan the horizon for trends, driving forces, and weak signals, to analyze the system and the various cross impacts and finally to produce normative or exploratory scenarios for the future.
Other Publications
Megatrends 2040: Volatility, Uncertainty, Resourcefulness This summary report presents some critical megatrends and trends that concern the global community.

Japan

Since the 1970s, Japan has adopted technology foresight techniques such as Delphi surveys to advance their Research & Development industry. Delphi surveys were produced every five years. The resulting innovation policies served the country well to advance the nation’s technoloy capabilities and economic growth.

National Institute of Science and Technology Policy (NISTEP)

Description
NISTEP was launched under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It acts as researchers and advisers across the Japanese government. Launched in 1988, they took over administering the Delphi surveys in 1992.
Created
1988
Staff
45
Recent Projects
Data and Information Infrastructure
Methodologies
Science and Technology Foresight
Other Publications
9th S&T Foresight Report
Description
NISTEP was launched under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It acts as researchers and advisers across the Japanese government. Launched in 1988, they took over administering the Delphi surveys in 1992.
Created
1988
Staff
45
Recent Projects
Data and Information Infrastructure
Methodologies
Science and Technology Foresight
Other Publications
9th S&T Foresight Report

Singapore

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence in the late 1980s first began the government’s focus on future planning. In 1995, The Prime Minister’s office set up the Scenario Planning Office which was renamed Strategic Policy Office (SPO) in 2003. Since then, strategic foresight has spread throughout the Singapore government. Staff of each of these disparate futures groups meet at the periodic meetings. Strategic Futures Network (SFN) is a quarterly meeting for Deputy-level officers across the Singapore government to discuss trends and implications for Singapore. Sandbox meetings are scheduled for staff-level officers to interact and potentially collaborate on futures work across the Singapore government.

Centre for Strategic Futures

Description
The Centre for Strategic Futures (CSF) was established as a futures think tank within Strategic Planning Office to focus on issues that may be blind-spot areas, pursue open-ended long-term futures research, and experiment with new foresight methodologies. On 1 July 2015, CSF became part of the new Strategy Group in the Prime Minister’s Office, which was set up to focus on whole-of-government strategic planning and prioritisation, whole-of-government coordination and development and to incubate and catalyse new capabilities in the Singapore Public Service.” A primary role of CSF is educating groups of Singapore government stakeholders on their futures methods, approaches, and insights. They do so through various speaking events, a series of workshops called Futurecraft, and their biennial event called Foresight Conference. CSF also facilitates the Strategic Futures Network and Sandbox meetings.
Created
2009
Staff
10+
Key personnel
Mr Peter HO – Senior Advisor
Recent projects
The Challenges of Governance in a Complex World
Methodologies
Scenario Planning Plus (SP+)
Other Publications
Foresight (a biennial publication of the CSF)
Description
The Centre for Strategic Futures (CSF) was established as a futures think tank within Strategic Planning Office to focus on issues that may be blind-spot areas, pursue open-ended long-term futures research, and experiment with new foresight methodologies. On 1 July 2015, CSF became part of the new Strategy Group in the Prime Minister’s Office, which was set up to focus on whole-of-government strategic planning and prioritisation, whole-of-government coordination and development and to incubate and catalyse new capabilities in the Singapore Public Service.” A primary role of CSF is educating groups of Singapore government stakeholders on their futures methods, approaches, and insights. They do so through various speaking events, a series of workshops called Futurecraft, and their biennial event called Foresight Conference. CSF also facilitates the Strategic Futures Network and Sandbox meetings.
Created
2009
Staff
10+
Key personnel
Mr Peter HO – Senior Advisor
Recent projects
The Challenges of Governance in a Complex World
Methodologies
Scenario Planning Plus (SP+)
Other Publications
Foresight (a biennial publication of the CSF)

Risk Assessment and Horizon Scanning (RAHS)

Description
The Risk Assessment and Horizon Scanning (RAHS) is a program of the National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS). The RAHS program explores methods and tools that complement scenario planning in anticipating strategic issues with significant possible impact on Singapore.
Created
2004
Staff
5+
Key personnel
Recent projects
RAHS conducts a bi-annual symposium, International Risk Assessment and Horizon Scanning Symposium (IRAHSS). Their 2017 event
Methodologies
RAHS Programme Office
Other Publications
Risk Assessment and Horizon Scanning Experimentation Centre
Description
The Risk Assessment and Horizon Scanning (RAHS) is a program of the National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS). The RAHS program explores methods and tools that complement scenario planning in anticipating strategic issues with significant possible impact on Singapore.
Created
2004
Staff
5+
Key personnel
Recent projects
RAHS conducts a bi-annual symposium, International Risk Assessment and Horizon Scanning Symposium (IRAHSS). Their 2017 event
Methodologies
RAHS Programme Office
Other Publications
Risk Assessment and Horizon Scanning Experimentation Centre

South Africa

South Africa has a notable history in futures and foresight in the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, notably for the Montfleur Scenarios, that have been credited with being pivotal in guiding a peaceful transition from apartheid. The South African government has more recently begun to build explicit foresight initiatives and programs in a number of its agencies.

Foresight South Africa

Description
Foresight South Africa is a United Nations South Africa initiative aimed at assisting government and stakeholders in planning, mid to long-term, for the unpredictable future.
Created
2019
Staff
NA
Key personnel
Walid Badawi – Country Director – UNDP South Africa
Recent projects
Sicwangcisela Ingomso: Planning for The Future; Foresighting, Development and the United Nation’s role.
Methodologies
Foresight approaches
Other Publications
Why the South African government must consider foresight methodologies for achievement of SDGs
Description
Foresight South Africa is a United Nations South Africa initiative aimed at assisting government and stakeholders in planning, mid to long-term, for the unpredictable future.
Created
2019
Staff
NA
Key personnel
Walid Badawi – Country Director – UNDP South Africa
Recent projects
Sicwangcisela Ingomso: Planning for The Future; Foresighting, Development and the United Nation’s role.
Methodologies
Foresight approaches
Other Publications
Why the South African government must consider foresight methodologies for achievement of SDGs

South Korea

South Korea began using the Delphi method in the public sector at least as early as the 1990s to help them ramp up their research and development. However, South Korea soon became good at socially contextualizing their research. Strategic foresight is now an important aspect of many of their government affiliated entities.

Korea Institute of Science & Technology Evaluation and Planning (KISTEP)

Description
Foresight and future strategy are key functions of KISTEP with an Office of Strategic Foresight. Some of the organization dates back before 1987 as the science and technology arm of the Korean government.
Created
1999
Staff
40
Other Publications
Foresight Projects
Description
Foresight and future strategy are key functions of KISTEP with an Office of Strategic Foresight. Some of the organization dates back before 1987 as the science and technology arm of the Korean government.
Created
1999
Staff
40
Other Publications
Foresight Projects

United Arab Emirates

The UAE is a forward looking nation with entrepreneurial tendencies even in the public sector. Their government has sought to expand their view of the future for several years.

Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future

Description
The Ministry carries out its functions through the General Secretariat of the Cabinet and the Prime Minister’s office and The Public Diplomacy Office under the Ministry’s umbrella. The Ministry follows up on the resolutions and directives of the Prime Minister in addition to monitoring implementation of government vision and national agenda, and government performance, as well as improving the efficacy and efficiency of the federal government sector, and raising the quality of government services. Furthermore, the Ministry spearheads innovation and excellence efforts at the Federal Government. It also develops the government communication systems, sets the frameworks and policies of Federal entities and forwards the appropriate recommendations thereof to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
Created
2006
Staff
10+
Key personnel
Mohammed Al Gergawi – Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future
Recent projects
The News page details recent accomplishments
Methodologies
Shaping the Future: at the bottom is a link to their Scenario Toolkit and other resources
Other Publications
Publications
Description
The Ministry carries out its functions through the General Secretariat of the Cabinet and the Prime Minister’s office and The Public Diplomacy Office under the Ministry’s umbrella. The Ministry follows up on the resolutions and directives of the Prime Minister in addition to monitoring implementation of government vision and national agenda, and government performance, as well as improving the efficacy and efficiency of the federal government sector, and raising the quality of government services. Furthermore, the Ministry spearheads innovation and excellence efforts at the Federal Government. It also develops the government communication systems, sets the frameworks and policies of Federal entities and forwards the appropriate recommendations thereof to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
Created
2006
Staff
10+
Key personnel
Mohammed Al Gergawi – Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future
Recent projects
The News page details recent accomplishments
Methodologies
Shaping the Future: at the bottom is a link to their Scenario Toolkit and other resources
Other Publications
Publications

Dubai Future Foundation

Description
A wholly-owned government corporation, the Dubai Future Foundation was created by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Foundation is charged with not just envisioning the future and planning strategy but on implementing and executing the strategies in the present.
Created
2015
Staff
NA
Key personnel
Noah Raford – COO and Futurist-in-Chief
Recent projects
Global Blockchain Council
Methodologies
An interview with Noah Raford
Other Publications
The UAE and World Economic Forum (WEF) released “Global State of the Future”
Description
A wholly-owned government corporation, the Dubai Future Foundation was created by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Foundation is charged with not just envisioning the future and planning strategy but on implementing and executing the strategies in the present.
Created
2015
Staff
NA
Key personnel
Noah Raford – COO and Futurist-in-Chief
Recent projects
Global Blockchain Council
Methodologies
An interview with Noah Raford
Other Publications
The UAE and World Economic Forum (WEF) released “Global State of the Future”

United Kingdom

The UK has a long history in the discipline of foresight, often called futurology in Britain. H. G. Wells was one of the first to call for a science of the future. However, the development of the discipline within the UK and its government were slower and often less smooth than other parts of Europe and the US. The UK still had one of the major academic journals on foresight, Futures. With the launch of the Office of Science and Technology (OST), technology foresight was introduced at the Cabinet level especially through its Foresight Programme. The OST eventually morphed into the Government Office of Science.

Government Office for Science (GO-Science)

Description
GO-Science gives scientific advice to the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, through a programme of projects that reflect the priorities of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser. The Government Office for Science (Go-Science) Foresight programme provides robust evidence to policy-makers to help produce policies that are more resilient to the future.
Created
1993
Staff
80+
Key personnel
Dr. Simon Whitfield – Deputy Director of the Public Services Innovation and is therefore the head of Foresight and Horizon Scanning
Recent projects
A list of their foresight projects
Methodologies
Futures Toolkit
Other Publications
Blog
For more information, see this post on the Civil Service Quarterly blog
Description
GO-Science gives scientific advice to the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet, through a programme of projects that reflect the priorities of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser. The Government Office for Science (Go-Science) Foresight programme provides robust evidence to policy-makers to help produce policies that are more resilient to the future.
Created
1993
Staff
80+
Key personnel
Dr. Simon Whitfield – Deputy Director of the Public Services Innovation and is therefore the head of Foresight and Horizon Scanning
Recent projects
A list of their foresight projects
Methodologies
Futures Toolkit
Other Publications
Blog
For more information, see this post on the Civil Service Quarterly blog

Cabinet Office—Horizon Scanning Programme Team

Description
The Cabinet Office supports the Prime Minister to ensure the effective running of government. They are also the corporate headquarters for government, in partnership with HM Treasury, and they take the lead in certain critical policy areas. Among their responsibilities, they partnered with GO-Science in 2014 to form the Horizon Scanning Programme Team.
Created
1916
Staff
NA
Key personnel
The Horizon Scanning Programme Team is steered by the Cabinet Secretary’s Advisory Group, but whether Sir Jeremy Heywood is still leading the team is uncertain
Recent projects
Global Strategic Trends (fifth edition)
Methodologies
The GO-Science Futures Toolkit
Other Publications
Blog
For more information, see a blog post by team member Richard Sandford for the Civil Service Quarterly blog
Description
The Cabinet Office supports the Prime Minister to ensure the effective running of government. They are also the corporate headquarters for government, in partnership with HM Treasury, and they take the lead in certain critical policy areas. Among their responsibilities, they partnered with GO-Science in 2014 to form the Horizon Scanning Programme Team.
Created
1916
Staff
NA
Key personnel
The Horizon Scanning Programme Team is steered by the Cabinet Secretary’s Advisory Group, but whether Sir Jeremy Heywood is still leading the team is uncertain
Recent projects
Global Strategic Trends (fifth edition)
Methodologies
The GO-Science Futures Toolkit
Other Publications
Blog
For more information, see a blog post by team member Richard Sandford for the Civil Service Quarterly blog

Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre

Description
The Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre serves as the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD’s) think tank and helps inform defence strategy, capability development, operations and provides the foundation for joint education.
Created
1998
Staff
DCDC is a joint, multinational establishment, with staff drawn from all three Services, the Civil Service and our partner nations.
Key personnel
Major General Darrell Amison – Director
Recent projects
Global Strategic Trends
Methodologies
Defence strategic communication: an approach to formulating and executing strategy (JDN 2/19)
Other Publications
Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre
Description
The Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre serves as the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD’s) think tank and helps inform defence strategy, capability development, operations and provides the foundation for joint education.
Created
1998
Staff
DCDC is a joint, multinational establishment, with staff drawn from all three Services, the Civil Service and our partner nations.
Key personnel
Major General Darrell Amison – Director
Recent projects
Global Strategic Trends
Methodologies
Defence strategic communication: an approach to formulating and executing strategy (JDN 2/19)
Other Publications
Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre

United States of America

Although the US has been one of the leaders in Futures Studies and Foresight in academia and industry, the US government as a whole has never fully embraced the discipline. However, several US government agencies have performed studies and used outsourced studies on the future. Several attempts have been made at the legislative and executive branch levels to encourage futures thinking across departments.

Federal Foresight Community of Interest (FFCOI)

Description
Although not a government agency of any sort. The Community of Interest is a cross-agency support network for develop of foresight ideas, strategies, and methods among Members working to improve the use of Strategic Foresight in the US government. U.S. federal agencies represented at the joint meeting included Department of Interior, Department of Energy (Sandia National Laboratory), Department of Commerce/National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Navy, Department of Veterans Affairs, Government Accountability Office, Library of Congress, Environmental Protection Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Personnel Management, Federal Aviation Administration, Bureau of Prisons, Coast Guard, and others.
Created
2013
Staff
NA
Key personnel
James-Christian Blockwood – Managing Director of Strategic Planning & External Liaison at U.S. Government Accountability Office and formerly Manager of Strategic Studies at Department of Veteran Affairs
Methodologies
Strategic Foresight in The U.S. Federal Government: a survey performed by the US Environmental Protection Agency on how foresight is used in US government agencies, presented at the 2017 Public Sector Foresight Network (PSFN) meeting
Description
Although not a government agency of any sort. The Community of Interest is a cross-agency support network for develop of foresight ideas, strategies, and methods among Members working to improve the use of Strategic Foresight in the US government. U.S. federal agencies represented at the joint meeting included Department of Interior, Department of Energy (Sandia National Laboratory), Department of Commerce/National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Navy, Department of Veterans Affairs, Government Accountability Office, Library of Congress, Environmental Protection Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, Office of Personnel Management, Federal Aviation Administration, Bureau of Prisons, Coast Guard, and others.
Created
2013
Staff
NA
Key personnel
James-Christian Blockwood – Managing Director of Strategic Planning & External Liaison at U.S. Government Accountability Office and formerly Manager of Strategic Studies at Department of Veteran Affairs
Methodologies
Strategic Foresight in The U.S. Federal Government: a survey performed by the US Environmental Protection Agency on how foresight is used in US government agencies, presented at the 2017 Public Sector Foresight Network (PSFN) meeting

U.S. Government Accountability Office (USGAO)

Description
GAO provides oversight of federal spending, insight into best practices, and foresight to identify and explore emerging issues that represent important opportunities or risks to the United States. GAO will work to inform congressional oversight with foresight analysis, which can help inform policymaking through illuminating the trade-offs and implications of change. GAO started using futures thinking during the 70s, and it intesified around 2006.
Created
1921
Staff
3,350
Key personnel
Nancy Donovan – Director of Domestic Relations
Recent projects
Public Sector Foresight Network (PSFN): co-created by Nancy Donovan in 2011, now partnered with the Federal Foresight Community of Interest (FFCOI)
Methodologies
Performance and Accountability Report Fiscal Year 2017
Other Publications
Creating An International Public Sector Foresight Network
Description
GAO provides oversight of federal spending, insight into best practices, and foresight to identify and explore emerging issues that represent important opportunities or risks to the United States. GAO will work to inform congressional oversight with foresight analysis, which can help inform policymaking through illuminating the trade-offs and implications of change. GAO started using futures thinking during the 70s, and it intesified around 2006.
Created
1921
Staff
3,350
Key personnel
Nancy Donovan – Director of Domestic Relations
Recent projects
Public Sector Foresight Network (PSFN): co-created by Nancy Donovan in 2011, now partnered with the Federal Foresight Community of Interest (FFCOI)
Methodologies
Performance and Accountability Report Fiscal Year 2017
Other Publications
Creating An International Public Sector Foresight Network

U.S. Coast Guard Evergreen

Description
Evergreen is a program of the strategic analysis team within the U.S. Coast Guard. Evergreen’s value is identifying Strategic Needs or Key Success Factors (KSF) common to multiple plausible future scenarios, allowing the Coast Guard to better position itself for success no matter what the future may hold.
Created
1998
Staff
7+
Key personnel
Eric Popiel – Program Manager
Recent projects
Evergreen Scenarios
Methodologies
Using Strategic Foresight: Interview with CDR Eric Popiel, US Coast Guard
Other Publications
Documents
Description
Evergreen is a program of the strategic analysis team within the U.S. Coast Guard. Evergreen’s value is identifying Strategic Needs or Key Success Factors (KSF) common to multiple plausible future scenarios, allowing the Coast Guard to better position itself for success no matter what the future may hold.
Created
1998
Staff
7+
Key personnel
Eric Popiel – Program Manager
Recent projects
Evergreen Scenarios
Methodologies
Using Strategic Foresight: Interview with CDR Eric Popiel, US Coast Guard
Other Publications
Documents

National Intelligence Council

Description
The National Intelligence Council (NIC) serves as the US Intelligence Community’s center for the long-term strategic analysis. Since 1979, the NIC has served a bridge between the intelligence and policy communities—as well as a facilitator for outreach to outside experts. In 1997, the NIC began publishing an unclassified strategic assessment of how key trends and uncertainties might shape the world over the next 20 years to help senior US leaders think and plan for the longer term. The reports are published every four years to coincide with the election or re-election of each US president.
Created
1979
Staff
The NIC’s National Intelligence Officers, drawn from government, academia, and the private sector and work under the auspices of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
Key personnel
 
Recent projects
Global Trends report
Methodologies
 
Other Publications
 
Description
The National Intelligence Council (NIC) serves as the US Intelligence Community’s center for the long-term strategic analysis. Since 1979, the NIC has served a bridge between the intelligence and policy communities—as well as a facilitator for outreach to outside experts. In 1997, the NIC began publishing an unclassified strategic assessment of how key trends and uncertainties might shape the world over the next 20 years to help senior US leaders think and plan for the longer term. The reports are published every four years to coincide with the election or re-election of each US president.
Created
1979
Staff
The NIC’s National Intelligence Officers, drawn from government, academia, and the private sector and work under the auspices of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
Key personnel
 
Recent projects
Global Trends report
Methodologies
 
Other Publications