How can nations and societies better prepare for the future? Based on the joint futures study of SIBE of Steinbeis Hochschule and EURAC Research “Denkanstoß COVID-19: Zukunftsszenarien für ein nachhaltiges Südtirol 2030+”, the study’s core element, the four equivalent future scenarios, has now been published as a research note in the renowned journal for Technological Forecasting & Social Change. In addition to outlining the scenarios, the research paper conveys the project experiences, lessons learned, challenges, and success factors for other future regional foresight projects.
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit nations all around the globe, with tremendous consequences. Beyond its impact on individual and public health, the ensuing crisis has also accentuated existing social and economic problems and, in many cases, exacerbated them. In this context, a central question arises: How can economies and societies be better prepared for the future? The published research paper presents an example of strategic foresight as an instrument for better understanding systemic challenges, anticipating the emergent risks and opportunities, and informing future-robust decision-making. At the core of the paper are scenarios and development pathways of the Italian province South Tyrol for the next ten years and beyond (2030+). By developing four plausible and consistent scenarios and the associated challenges, risks, and opportunities for South Tyrol, the project offers a future-oriented instrument for political, economic, and civil actors and key stakeholders. Read the research paper here.
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