Presentation
What is foresight?
Foresight represents a strategic look into the future. Being a set of diverse analytical methods, foresight is a tool for intelligent decision-makers in both the private and public sector.
Foresight is particularly useful when working out long-term strategies or policies. So far, Estonia has been successful. Unfortunately, due to structural economic weaknesses, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the rate of growth. The current Estonian economic model is no longer sustainable - the time has come for a shift in paradigm.
Compared to successful economies, too many people work in areas that produce low added value. The key issue is: which will be the sources of our economic growth in 3, 5 or 10 years?
Foresight undertaken by the Development Fund contributes to rendering a meaning to the future of the Estonian economy, and gives decision-makers the courage and substance to make future-oriented strategic decisions and launch changes.
The aim of the Development Fund's foresight activities is that, as a result, a critical number of the people influencing Estonia's economy will eventually speak the same language about future values and goals.
Furthermore, that they will be prepared to make strategic decisions today in order to achieve the desired future.
So that Estonia would recognise and utilise its opportunities for a breakthrough in the globalised and ever changing world.
Informational material can be downloaded by clicking on the picture below (pdf 450 Kb) :
Our activities
Foresight is an open undertaking, and the Development Fund has an organising role in it. For that particular purpose the Foresight team consists of a small number of experts who prepare and manage the implementation of foresight projects.
The very best Estonian and foreign experts on respective subjects are engaged for each and every project from outside the Development Fund. Through participants in studies, interviews and discussions, a wider range of decision-makers are reached and more Influential decisions made.
• We conduct foresight projects on subjects relevant to the Estonian economy in an attempt to offer meaningful visions, long-term development directions and platforms which would bring the parties together for future-oriented discussions, decision-making and actions.
• We promote foresight literacy in Estonia and offer support for applying foresight in strategy processes.
• We support decision-makers in both in the private and public sectors with our expert knowledge and opinions.
Our regular events:
Forums - Public events to introduce the results of foresight projects to the wider audience.
Workshops - The principal tool applied in foresight projects for involving parties and experts into the discussions.
Coffee mornings - A series of monthly events for raising new emerging topics or tackling old subjects from a new angle.
Innovation labs - Weekly evening events with open discussions on topical issues.
Master classes for decision-makers - Organised in co-operation with partners, for present and future top decision-makers.
Report to the Riigikogu (Estonian Parliament) - Yearly discussion on foresight results and receiving input from the Riigikogu for the choice of new foresight topics.
