Collection

Long term strategic thinking and planning: Futures thinking resources for government officials

Guidance, trends and projects to inform and support government officials to think strategically about the future.

Policy decisions made today have long-term consequences. However, the future in which these decisions have an impact is uncertain. Futures thinking provides systematic approaches to thinking about the future to deliver long-term benefits. This page brings together published resources from across government to support long term strategic thinking and planning.

Keep up with futures work in government on the Futures, Foresight and Horizon Scanning blog.

Introductory guides to Futures thinking

Guides explaining Futures thinking and how is it relevant to policymaking.

Toolkits

How to use Futures tools and methods in your work.

Evidence of long-term change.

Futures and Foresight Projects

Projects that have applied Futures tools, processes or methods to a particular policy area. For foresight projects which take a cross-cutting issue, summarise the evidence, and explore future possibilities, please also see GO-Science Foresight projects.

Emerging Technologies

Reports exploring emerging technologies. Also see GO-Science Rapid Technology Assessments, which provide introductions to technology areas for policy makers.

Additional resources

Other toolkits that could support your Futures work.

Published 26 May 2023