The study of the future is a vast area and is often referred to as futurology, futurism, and futures thinking. These terms can be imprecise and lead to misunderstandings. A more precise and academic approach involves using the terms Futures Studies and Foresight to systematically study potential future scenarios and plan strategically to navigate them.
Futures Studies
Field of research and includes the exploration of alternative futures conducted by academic researchers.
Academic Researchers and Futures Studies
Futures Studies represent a field of research and involve the exploration of alternative futures conducted by academic researchers. The World Futures Studies Federation, an independent academic association established in 1975, uses the term Futures Studies and defines it as a "scientific field of research in which scientists and researchers participate." This is how the synonymous term "Futures Research" emerged, but the synonym is used for the study, not the discipline.
Foresight for the Application of Methods and Techniques
Foresight pertains to applying methods and techniques for studying the future by organizations, whether non-profit or for-profit, to prepare for the future. Foresight is commonly used by practitioners and is considered a part of strategy. This is how synonymous terms like Strategic Foresight or Corporate Foresight have emerged.
While Futures Studies and Foresight involve the same set of methods and techniques for future research, Foresight signifies explicitly the use of these methods and techniques as tools for management. In summary, Foresight is a set of practices or activities that prepare a company for what "tomorrow" brings.
Foresight
Application of methods and techniques for studying the future.
Western, Non-Western, and Asian Perspectives
Throughout history, Foresight has primarily emphasized scenario planning, mainly through the school of Intuitive Logics. As it originates from a Western tradition, Foresight has acquired a Western connotation. On the other hand, Futures Studies has a tradition rooted in Asian and non-Western perspectives, such as Causal Layered Analysis and Integral Futures. Due to the fusion of these two perspectives, the plural form is often used in communication.
Foresight has been oriented toward preparing organizations for the future and increasing their profits, with less focus on improving humanity or the future in general, which is a practice more associated with Futures Studies. However, it's essential to note that the situation is evolving today due to the emergence of more participatory Foresight methods involving organizations and communities, thus blurring the boundaries between Foresight and Futures Studies.
Alex Fergnani, a Foresight researcher, emphasizes that it is more appropriate today to use the term "Futures & Foresight" when referring to the exploration of alternative futures, instead of using "Futures Studies" or "Foresight." For those actively involved in the field, terms like "Futures & Foresight scholar/researcher," "Futures & Foresight practitioner," and "Futures & Foresight project" can be used.
A Wide Range of Approaches to Exploring the Future
Futurism refers to a broad spectrum of approaches for exploring the future, including predictions, widespread science-based speculations, and layman's conjectures. Articles highlighting how robots will take over the future can be labelled futurism. In short, the term encompasses a broader domain than Futures Studies and Foresight.
If you are going to use any of these terms, remember that it is more accurate to use "Futures Studies" in an academic context and "Foresight" in a practical context.