Master
2025/2026
Foresight Theory and Concepts
Type:
Compulsory course (Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy)
Delivered by:
Department of Educational Programmes
When:
1 year, 3 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Alexander Chulok
Language:
English
Contact hours:
32
Course Syllabus
Abstract
Foresight is the art and science of exploring and shaping the future. It is the application of systemic, participatory, future-intelligence-gathering, and medium to long-term vision building process to informing present- day decisions and mobilizing joint actions. With growing complexities and uncertainties in our world, Foresight has become a first and key step of innovation.
Learning Objectives
- To introduce the concept of Foresight, its theoretical background as well as the process, and approaches; quantitative and qualitative methods like trend watching, horizon scanning, big data analysis, scenario planning, prioritization, Delphi surveys, strategic and technological roadmaps; innovative ways of decision-making and STI policy formulation; STI strategy- and priority-setting; cooperation and networking with stakeholders.
- To form students' understanding of the basics Foresight and Strategic Planning in a complementary stance, including methods for scanning environments, identifying trends and drivers of change with weak signals and wild cards, developing future scenarios and visions and making long, medium and short term strategic plans for identifying priorities and actions.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Ability to build necessary theory, argumentation and practice of using Foresight and Strategic planning at the national, regional and corporate levels
- Ability to use quantitative and qualitative approaches, processes and methods in a practical case study
- Ability to devote resources to long term management strategies and collaboration with research base for improving management concepts (ILO PC-1)
- Able to independently make informed organizational and managerial decisions, assess their operational and organizational effectiveness and social significance, ensure their implementation in a complex (including cross-cultural) and dynamic environment.
- Ability to assess and review company strategy implementation and develop and monitor measures to reach strategic objectives.
Course Contents
- Basics of Foresight and Strategic Planning
- Objectives and Processes of Foresight
- Methodology for Foresight and Strategic Planning
- Scenarios technique
- Translating Foresight into strategy
- Embedding Foresight into organisations
