Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities from Coursera

Today, organizations find themselves dealing with an increasing amount of uncertainty.

They are often ill-equipped at responding to disruptive change and find themselves blindsided by ‘unexpected’ landslides in their ecosystems. In order to hold their ground, they need to upgrade their capabilities, become more agile in adapting to change and drive firm-level, society-level and industry-level change proactively.

This course introduces you to strategic foresight, its main methods and tools and their application in public and private organisations. Foresight allows organisations to get ahead of the curve, pre-emptively catch trends, define more effective and robust policies and drive positive futures.

You will also learn how foresight is an inclusive way of preparing for the future, how to involve a wide set of stakeholders, overcome silo thinking and leverage collective intelligence to advance the status quo. The course is built on over 15 years of benchmarking among leading organisations and leverages on the collective experience of three lecturers, who introduced foresight, strategy, innovation and design thinking to public organisation and in leading private sector companies.

After completing this course, you will understand the need for strategic foresight, as well as how and where it is used, which benefits it yields and why leading organisations systematically invest in staying on top of the future.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction, Scanning for signals and Developing drivers of change

In this first module of the strategic foresight course we will introduce you to the language and basic principles of foresight . You will learn how to convert signals into drivers of change, and how to interpret drivers of change to succeed in the face of uncertainty in your business and in your personal career.

Why scenario thinking is key to prepare for uncertain futures

This week, in module 2, we will introduce you to scenarios, which are built from the drivers you learned about in the previous module. In Module 1, you identified signals of how the future might be different and learned how to separate signal from noise to identify drivers of change. Scenarios help you create multiple plausible futures and catch them in stories and images. These stories inform long term decision making. Let's unleash our creativity and explore how those drivers combine in non-linear and complex ways to create narratives and scenarios for very different futures.

Developing scenarios and working with stakeholders

In this module you will learn how to develop -and use- scenarios as a way to make futures tangible. As mentioned, we need to limit the amount of scenarios to make our foresight project manageable. By putting two drivers, selected through the approach from previous chapter in a scenario cross, we can create a spectrum of four plausible futures as a basis for strategic conversations. We will demonstrate and test with you how scenario narratives can become a catalyst for impactful strategies.

Developing future-oriented and unique strategies

Having learned how to craft compelling narratives of the future, you will now turn to strategize based on these future scenarios. You will come up with strategies that are different from your current one and different to the status quo. These are known as distant strategies. They form part of a portfolio of actions to help us balance performance and robustness. We will look at how scenarios can help you determine your Massive Transformation Purpose, a “why” to commit to. This helps you look at “what” actions we can take and “how” you will achieve them. The strategy playbox will provide you with a mechanism to systematically explore what is possible within current constraints.

Building organisational foresight capabilities

In the two previous modules we focused on the practice of foresight. We were introduced to the Scenario Sprint method and learnt how scenarios help us to co-create compelling narratives that support strategy and decision making. This week, you will learn how to make foresight part of your everyday life, as an individual or in an organization. Module five will present you with materials and arguments to support the case for investing in foresight, and will provide you with the necessary information to scale the competency to identify, interpret and act on signals of change.

Exam : Final quiz

Now you have reached the end of the course. The only thing left is the final quiz! Here you will test your knowledge with 30 questions. Good luck.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces and examines strategic foresight for uncertain futures, which is a standard practice in business and academia

Examines methods and tools for strategic foresight which are used across sectors

Helps students develop foresight as an inclusive practice, which may be important to students who value inclusivity

Led by three instructors who have launched foresight in their respective fields, which adds to the course's credibility

Examines a multitude of scenarios for uncertain futures, which may add utility for students

Develops student strategy-building abilities through its scenario work, which may appeal to students seeking career advancement

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities with these activities:

Review key concepts in systems thinking and complexity theory

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Strengthen your understanding of the interconnectedness of systems and the challenges of predicting outcomes in complex environments.

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Review online resources, such as articles or videos.
Read a book or research paper on the topic.
Attend a workshop or lecture.

Find mentors in the field of strategic foresight

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Connect with experts to gain guidance and insights from their experience.

Browse courses on Strategic Foresight

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Identify potential mentors through networking events, online forums, or professional organizations.
Reach out to potential mentors and introduce yourself.
Request a meeting or virtual call to discuss your interests and goals.
Establish a regular meeting schedule or communication plan.

Read 'The Innovator's Dilemma' by Clayton M. Christensen

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Gain insights into the challenges of disruptive innovation and how to overcome them.

View The Innovator's Dilemma, with a New Foreword on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Read the book at a leisurely pace.
Take notes on key concepts and insights.
Reflect on the implications for your own organization.

Five other activities

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Complete the 'Strategic Foresight' learning path on Coursera

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of strategic foresight methods and tools.

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Enroll in the Coursera learning path.
Watch the video lectures.
Complete the exercises and quizzes.
Apply the learning to a real-world project.

Conduct scenario planning exercises

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Develop skills in identifying and analyzing potential futures and their implications.

Browse courses on Scenario Planning

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Identify a relevant business or social issue.
Gather a diverse group of stakeholders.
Brainstorm potential future scenarios.
Analyze the implications of each scenario.
Develop strategies to address the most likely scenarios.

Volunteer with a non-profit organization focused on the future

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Gain practical experience in applying foresight principles in a real-world setting.

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Identify a relevant non-profit organization.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend training sessions and learn about the organization's mission.
Participate in foresight projects and activities.
Reflect on your experience and identify transferable skills and insights.

Write a foresight report

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Synthesize your learning and develop insights on future trends and implications.

Browse courses on Strategic Foresight

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Select a topic of interest.
Gather data and conduct analysis.
Identify key trends and drivers of change.
Develop plausible future scenarios.
Write a report outlining your findings and insights.

Develop a strategic foresight implementation plan

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Translate your foresight insights into actionable strategies and plans.

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Identify key stakeholders and decision-makers.
Conduct a needs assessment to identify areas where foresight can be applied.
Develop a framework for incorporating foresight into decision-making.
Create a roadmap for implementing foresight activities.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the foresight implementation plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Scenario Planner

Scenario Planners develop and use scenarios to explore possible futures and inform decision-making. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and use scenarios, facilitate scenario planning workshops, and create a culture of foresight within your organization. The fit score for this role is 95.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scenario Planner

Futurist

Professionals in this role are responsible for researching and forecasting future trends, often using foresight methodologies. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of foresight, enabling you to identify and analyze emerging trends and develop scenarios that can inform your organization's decision-making process. The fit score for this role is 90.

See salaries and explore the career path for Futurist

Technology Futurist

Technology Futurists research and forecast future technological trends. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct foresight research, identify and analyze trends, and develop scenarios that can inform your technology forecasting work. The fit score for this role is 89.

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Trend Analyst

Trend Analysts identify and analyze trends to inform decision-making. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct foresight research, identify and analyze trends, and develop insights that can inform your trend analysis and forecasting work. The fit score for this role is 85.

See salaries and explore the career path for Trend Analyst

Chief Strategy Officer

The role of a Chief Strategy Officer aligns well with the focus of the Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course. In this executive-level position, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that drive organizational growth and success. The course will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct foresight research, identify trends and risks, and create scenarios that can inform your strategic planning process. The fit score for this role is 82.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Strategy Officer

Strategy Analyst

Strategy Analysts develop and analyze strategies for organizations. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct foresight research, identify and analyze trends, and develop scenarios that can inform your strategy analysis and recommendations. The fit score for this role is 81.

See salaries and explore the career path for Strategy Analyst

Strategic Consultant

Strategic Consultants advise organizations on developing and implementing strategies. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct foresight research, identify and analyze trends, and develop scenarios that can inform your strategic consulting work. The fit score for this role is 80.

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Innovation Manager

Innovation Managers are responsible for driving innovation and creativity within organizations. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and assess new opportunities, develop and implement innovative strategies, and create a culture of innovation within your organization. The fit score for this role is 78.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to inform decision-making. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct foresight research, identify and analyze trends, and develop scenarios that can inform your policy analysis and recommendations. The fit score for this role is 77.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct foresight research, identify and analyze trends, and develop scenarios that can inform your risk management strategies. The fit score for this role is 76.

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Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts conduct research to identify and analyze market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscapes. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct foresight research, identify and analyze trends, and develop insights that can inform your market research and analysis. The fit score for this role is 75.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products and services. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and assess new product opportunities, develop and implement product roadmaps, and create a culture of innovation within your organization. The fit score for this role is 73.

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Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and manage risks, develop and implement project plans, and create a culture of collaboration within your project teams. The fit score for this role is 72.

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User Experience (UX) Researcher

UX Researchers research and design user experiences for products and services. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course may be useful in this role, as it will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct foresight research, identify and analyze trends, and develop scenarios that can inform your UX research and design work. The fit score for this role is 68.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies. The Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities course may be useful in this role, as it will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct foresight research, identify and analyze trends, and develop scenarios that can inform your investment decisions. The fit score for this role is 65.

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