Foresight

The journal of future studies, strategic thinking and policy

foresight is an international bi-monthly journal concerned with the study of the future.

Futurists often remind us that the purpose of thinking about the future is not to predict what will happen but rather to consider alternatives. Although we cannot know the future, we can propose a range of alternative futures and make judgements about the assumptions that underpin them. Futures research provides a powerful framework and set of techniques that allow us to test the credibility of possible futures. Through a better understanding of what is likely to happen we should be able to make better decisions in the present.

But if the value of foresight, then, is to be judged in terms of its ability to influence decisions - by individuals, and within organizations, businesses and governments - futurists must be prepared to move beyond the research and analysis of alternatives. Businesses, organizations and policy makers face real problems that require real solutions. Futurists should be at the forefront of discovering practical ways to manage 21st century life under growing complexity, providing a long-term perspective and greater clarity for decision-makers.

foresight will, therefore, provide a much-needed forum for sound thinking about the future and will focus on themes and issues, which demand a strategic and long-term view. It will draw upon the established tools, techniques and methodologies of futures studies (e.g. scenario planning, Delphi, environmental scanning etc) as well as those of other social science disciplines, and will be informed by systems thinking and theories of post-modernism and complexity.

Coverage

Social, political and economic science
Sustainable development
Horizon scanning
Scientific and Technological Change and its implications for society and policy
Management of Uncertainty, Complexity and Risk
Foresight methodology, tools and techniques

Topicality

foresight is essential reading for those who need to keep abreast of research and current thinking about the future and for those making the future. The journal has a lively and contemporary feel.

Key Benefits

foresight is published six times a year. Regular features include:

A brief editorial or leader on a topical issue
Substantial, rigorous and peer reviewed articles
Stimulating essays and short comment pieces from leading futurists, business strategists and policy makers
A reviews section including letters to the editor, book reviews, conference reports, communications on research in progress and conference calendar.

Unique Attributes

foresight is the only futures studies journal which seeks to cater for the needs of academics, practitioners and policy makers alike by striking a balance between peer-reviewed articles and topical commentaries. As a result, the journal has a modern, contemporary feel.

Key Journal Audiences

Corporate Planners
Governmental Advisors
Market Development Managers
Public Affairs Executives
Public Agencies
Regulatory Executives
Research & Development Managers
Strategic Planners
Academics and Researchers interested in future studies, social, economic and political sciences, management and business studies, public policy, planning and cultural studies.
Third Sector Decision Makers

foresight is Indexed and Abstracted in:

ABI/INFORM
Academic Research Library
EconLit (American Economic Association)
Future Survey (World Futures Society)
INSPEC
Political Science Abstracts (IFI)
ProQuest
Research Library
Scopus

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Foresight is available as part of an online subscription to the Emerald Business, Management & Strategy eJournals Collection. For more information, please email collections@emeraldinsight.com or visit the Emerald Business, Management & Strategy eJournals Collection page.

This journal is a member of and subscribes to the
principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics.

News

12-04-2013: Call for papers - Services Futures – Directions and Features, Challenges and Opportunities