Program Overview

Introduction to Futures Thinking in Practice

The Futures Thinking in Practice course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of futures thinking principles and their practical application in policymaking. This course is ideal for policymakers, strategic planners, leaders, and anyone looking to develop forward-thinking skills and innovative approaches to navigate complex challenges and shape resilient policies.

About the Course

During this course, participants will dive into fascinating methodologies, including scenario planning and backcasting, and learn to navigate complex policy landscapes with a fresh, forward-looking perspective. Through hands-on exercises, insightful case studies, and interactive discussions, participants will acquire practical tools and develop a strategic mindset essential for crafting visionary policies.

Key Benefits

By the end of this course, participants should be equipped to:

• Navigate future trends by mastering cutting-edge methodologies such as scenario planning and backcasting, transforming how to anticipate and respond to emerging policy challenges
• Develop innovative policies by harnessing a futures-oriented mindset to craft policies that are not only responsive to today's needs but also resilient for tomorrow's uncertainties
• Drive organisational change through learned strategies, to cultivate a forward-thinking culture within the team or organisation, positioning them as a leader in innovative policy development

Course Outline

The course covers the following content:

Fundamentals of Futures Thinking

• Understanding futures thinking - definitions, principles, and its importance
• Differentiating between forecasting and foresight
• The role of futures thinking in policy development and innovation

Tools and Methods in Futures Thinking

• Introduction to key methodologies, including Scenario planning, Backcasting, Delphi method, and Trend analysis

Case Studies and Best Practices

• Analysing real-world examples where futures thinking influenced policy

Developing a Futures Mindset

• Workshops on fostering a futures-oriented culture within organisations
• Techniques for promoting long-term, systemic thinking

Implementing Futures Thinking in Practice

• Strategies for embedding futures thinking into daily policy-making processes
• Creating a roadmap for ongoing learning and application

Learning Outcomes

By the conclusion of this course, participants should have gained:

• A comprehensive understanding of futures thinking
• The ability to articulate the value of futures thinking in policymaking and explain its fundamental concepts
• Developed skills in applying futures thinking tools to analyse policy challenges and develop innovative solutions
• A developed, futures-oriented mindset
• Strategies and techniques for fostering this mindset within the team(s) or organisation, promoting forward-thinking policy development

Price and Discounts

• Full price: $798 (GST-free)
• Discounts are available for this course, including a 10% discount for UTS staff, alumni, and students. Discounts cannot be combined and only one discount can be applied per person per course session.

Enrolment Conditions

Course purchase is subject to UTS Open Terms and Conditions.

Who is this Course For?

This course is designed for policymakers, strategic planners, leaders, and anyone who is looking to develop forward-thinking skills and innovative approaches to navigate complex challenges and shape resilient policies.

Digital Badge and Certificate

A digital badge and certificate will be awarded following the successful completion of any necessary tasks or assessments to demonstrate acquired learning of the short course or for meeting attendance and/or participation requirements.