Describes the Merlin Exercise and its use by the authors integrating two models of the future ‐ “forecasted” and “invented” – to educate management in the development of a strategic intent and in implementing such an intent.

In this paper, some of the most important results of the recent work of the author’s Futures Observatory, the culmination of a decade of global research involving several thousand managers and professionals from large organisations, are explored in the context of the long‐range planning...

The use of foresight as a tool in policy and strategic decision making increased especially in the last decade of the twentieth century in order to enhance competitiveness and innovation of nations, regions, corporations and even individuals. Coupled with this development a lot of different...

Purpose – This article seeks to present approaches on the utilisation of expert information in strategic planning practices. Design/methodology/approach – The article emphasises alternative scenario development for the bases of decision making. This is done through an evaluation of Delphi...

Purpose – This paper seeks to analyse the tools and initiatives developed in the public sector in Quebec to anticipate futures challenges. Design/methodology/approach – The paper surveys and analyses forward‐looking activities within governments, the public sector and institutes in Quebec....

Purpose – An uncertain future means that Dutch government ministries need to think about not only what new policies have to be developed, but also how to organize themselves in the future. This paper aims to present an overview and analysis of various studies of the futures by and about Dutch...

Purpose – The objective of this paper is to present an example on how futures studies methodologies, especially backcasting, can be used to assist public policy formulation. Backcasting is particularly interesting method in this context, since it allows the key characteristics concerning the...

Purpose – This article aims to show the opportunity and benefits of linking territorial foresight tools to urban planning procedures. Additionally, it suggests ways to reinforce the scenario design method with more in‐depth analysis, without losing its qualitative nature and communication...

Purpose – This essay aims to introduce horizon scanning as an approach fundamental to most foresight studies. Design/methodology/approach – The essay combines a general review of the topic with an overview of a range of horizon‐scanning approaches that are in use in the UK health system....