Topic
Futures studies
About: Futures studies is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 2996 publications have been published within this topic receiving 49505 citations. The topic is also known as: futurology & futurism.
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Book•
01 Jan 1996
TL;DR: Slaughter as mentioned in this paper draws on the relatively new but rapidly developing field of futures studies to illustrate how our thinking must change in order to deal with the challenges presented by the new millennium.
Abstract: In this book, Richard Slaughter draws on the relatively new but rapidly developing field of futures studies to illustrate how our thinking must change in order to deal with the challenges presented by the new millennium. In doing so he brings together the latest work from some of the leading international names in futures thinking. Part One considers the foundations of futures thinking in history, literature and ideas. Part Two explores some of the ways that futures studies have been and are being applied in different educational contexts around the world, from pre-school to postgraduate levels. Part Three takes the crucial step from institutional learning to social learning, and explores how futures provides us with insights which can help guide our society into the new millennium, together with suggestions for the development of the field itself. This book is essential reading for teachers, students and anyone interested in the perils and promise of the twenty-first century.
57 citations
TL;DR: The analysis showed that distinct technologies will develop unevenly in different parts of the world, and a gap between recycling targets and recycling technologies was identified, representing short-term opportunities for more sustainable materials, such as bio-based.
Abstract: Multi-material multilayer plastic packaging (MMPP) is widely applied in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) combining functionalities of distinct materials. These packaging structures can enhance properties, such as resource-use efficiency and barrier performance leading to consequential benefits like a prolonged shelf-life. Nevertheless, they represent a challenge for existing recycling systems, confronting circular economy principles. This study aim was to foresight the future of recycling technologies for MMPP in the next five to ten years. Future scenarios were identified, including (1) high-performance material recycling, (2) recycling into hydrocarbons, (3) business as usual, and (4) downcycling. In-depth interviews and a feedback survey were methods used to validate the scenario matrix while defining experts' expectations towards the future. The analysis showed that distinct technologies will develop unevenly in different parts of the world. A mix of all scenarios is probable in the upcoming years, depending, essentially, on regulations and technology availability. Advanced high-performance material recycling encounters systemic bottlenecks, such as insufficient sorting technology for post-consumer waste. In contrast, chemical recycling (feedstock) is concentrating investments as a solution, requiring low input-characterization. Additionally, design for recycling trends might reduce multilayers’ complexity. A gap between recycling targets and recycling technologies was identified, representing short-term opportunities for more sustainable materials, such as bio-based.
57 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a way of considering these very different ways of knowing is considered, and the aim is to go beyond what might be termed "mundane" analysis, i.e. that which is preoccupied with surfaces, and to open out a broader arena for futures enquiry.
57 citations
Book•
13 Jul 2012
TL;DR: The strategic foresight process better facilitates national decision making as discussed by the authors, views of policy makers and high government officials How could the strategic foreight process better facilitate national decision-making? How could we improve our public strategic fore-sight systems? - views of strategic foresee knowledge producers How could our public foresight systems improve their public strategic management systems?
Abstract: Contents: Preface Part I Knowledge: Introduction Foresight concepts Strategic concepts Evolutionary concepts Inferring in theory Inferring in foresight. Part II Structure: Principles of strategic foresight in public policy making Strategic foresight in European Union's older member states' public policy making Strategic foresight in the European Union's ten new member states' public policy making Strategic foresight in the public policy making of other countries and transnational organizations. Part III Process: How could the strategic foresight process better facilitate national decision? - views of policy makers and high government officials How could the strategic foresight process better facilitate national decision making? - views of strategic foresight knowledge producers How could we improve our public strategic foresight systems? - views of strategic foresight knowledge producers How could we improve our public strategic foresight systems? - views of policy makers and high government officials. Part IV Discussion: Trilogy of systems thinking, foresight and strategic management Adjusting foresight, intelligence and inferring for different types of systems Bibliography Index.
57 citations
TL;DR: For instance, the FORESIGHT project as discussed by the authors is a self-evaluation of forensic science laboratories across North America, focusing on the importance of quality science to the criminal justice system.
Abstract: Managers of scientific laboratories see themselves as scientists first and managers second; consequently, they tend to devalue the managerial aspects of their jobs. Forensic laboratory managers are no different, but the stakes may be much higher given the importance of quality science to the criminal justice system. The need for training and support in forensic laboratory management has been recognized for many years, but little has been done to transition the tools of business to the forensic laboratory environment. FORESIGHT is a business-guided self-evaluation of forensic science laboratories across North America. The participating laboratories represent local, regional, state, and national agencies. Economics, accounting, finance, and forensic faculty provide assistance, guidance, and analysis. The process involves standardizing definitions for metrics to evaluate work processes, linking financial information to work tasks, and functions. Laboratory managers can then assess resource allocatio...
56 citations