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CIFS Toolkit for Applied Strategic Foresight

by Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies

Published | 2025

Navigating civic space futures

Summary

The CIFS Toolkit for Applied Strategic Foresight is a comprehensive resource designed to help individuals and organisations systematically anticipate and prepare for future challenges and opportunities by expanding conventional strategic thinking. It introduces a range of practical tools and methodologies to identify trends, assess uncertainties, develop scenarios, and generate actionable strategic insights.

Why read

Civic space actors should read this toolkit because it equips them with the necessary foresight techniques to navigate complex societal changes, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and develop proactive strategies for advocacy, policy influence, and social change. By applying these tools, they can better anticipate shifts in governance, public opinion, and socio-political landscapes, ensuring they remain effective in promoting democratic values and human rights.

Description

This toolkit offers a structured and adaptable approach to strategic foresight, combining practical experience with theoretical insights. It does not claim to predict the future but rather provides methodologies for exploring and analysing possible futures to enhance decision-making processes. The toolkit includes a variety of techniques such as horizon scanning, driver mapping, scenario planning, and causal layered analysis, all aimed at improving strategic anticipation and resilience. It highlights the importance of understanding uncertainties, engaging with alternative futures, and challenging entrenched assumptions to develop informed, long-term strategies. Designed for flexibility, it can be used for both large-scale, in-depth foresight projects and smaller, more informal workshops, making it a valuable asset for civic organisations, policymakers, and business leaders alike.

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