Practices of Futurecasting
Ways of sharing imagined tomorrows
A book by and for those who shape the future
What do designers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and politicians have in common? They all want to shape the future. But how can you make the future – that which does not yet exist – tangible for others?
Organized in five sections, this book has three central themes - data, fiction, and matter - that comprise the core of the volume and are synonymous with three fundamental approaches towards futurecasting. The different types of contributions, such as papers, interviews, project presentations, and statements, underline the multi-layerd approaches to the topic from both a practical and a research perspective.
In this book, over 40 thought leaders from the worlds of business, politics, art, and science address the issue of "futurecasting." The publication includes texts by Alex McDowell, the award-winning creative director who worked on Steven Spielberg’s future films; by Angela Wilkinson, who reports on her work as Secretary General of the World Energy Council; and by David Kirby, who writes about the valuable collaboration between industry and science fiction.
What others say
I’ll be featuring Practices of Futurecasting in the upcoming Oxford Scenarios Programme. The book’s depth and diversity of perspectives offer a rich foundation for exploring participatory methods and the imaginative dimensions of futures work. Thank you for curating such a timely and inspiring collection. I’m excited to share it with the group who will no doubt find it thought-provoking and generative.
Cynthia Selin
Programme Director, Saïd Business School
The volume gets right into the power of storytelling, imagination, Design Fiction, speculative thinking and much more. It's got contributions and contributors spanning sustainability, technology, and cultural foresight. Definitely a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the creative edges of what’s possible. Perfect for researchers, designers, and future-thinkers alike.
Julian Bleecker
Founder, Near Future Laboratory
I tremendously enjoyed reading Practices of Futurecasting because of its multidisciplinary approach and engaging content. The book brings together insights from various fields, making the future tangible and actionable for designers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and politicians alike. The practical examples and diverse perspectives provided by the contributors make it a rich and inspiring read.
Frank Kumli
Co-Founder, The Futuring Alliance
There are books that inform, books that teach, and books that make you think. Then there are books like Practices of Futurecasting which offer immersive experiences to imagine (and anticipate) a future that is increasingly difficult to envision in turbulent times. This is a complex book to read, both for the richness of its content and the value of its contributors, but ultimately, it is a book worth reading.
Gianandrea Facchini
Founder and CEO, Buzztech
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