Futures Research Unpacked

Wensupu Yang
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Explore thought-provoking research in futures studies, strategic foresight, and related fields. In each episode, we break down one paper in a way that’s easy to follow but still rich in ideas. Perfect for your commute, and great for deciding whether a paper deserves a deeper read. Selections are guided by my personal curiosity rather than strict criteria. If you’ve authored a paper and would like it featured, feel free to reach out. Audio is AI-generated using Google’s NotebookLM. Please refer to the original sources for validation before using the content for serious or scholarly purposes.

  1. 03/07/2025

    #23 - Feminist Futures as Unthought Futures

    Welcome to an episode where we explore Haya Al-Noaimi's compelling article, 'Feminist Futures as Unthought Futures,' published in the Journal of Futures Studies. This discussion critically examines the tension between dominant neoliberal future visions in the Gulf states and the urgent need for feminist, human-centered approaches through education. In this episode, we'll delve into: Al-Noaimi's argument that feminist futures extend beyond gender equality to encompass a vital project of decolonizing the future.The anti-feminist nature of neoliberalism, particularly in postcolonial contexts like the Arab Gulf, as it prioritizes market logic, privatization, and individualism over human and ecological well-being.How feminist pedagogies, exemplified by a 'Gulf Futures' course, empower students to critically engage with prevailing narratives, challenge patriarchal structures, and envision alternative, equitable futures.The influence of Ivana Milojević's work on defining feminism and guiding the critique and envisioning of post-patriarchal futures.The role of artistic visions, like Sophia Al-Maria's 'The Future was Desert,' in contrasting official narratives of progress and highlighting the 'weight of the past'.Join us to understand how this article advocates for cultivating a collective future that is inclusive, equitable, and champions marginalized voices in decolonizing our imaginations and societal structures. Ref: Haya Al-Noaimi. (n.d.). Feminist Futures as Unthought Futures. Journal of Futures Studies. https://doi.org/10.6531/JFS.202503_29(3).0002

    15 min

  2. 03/07/2025

    #22 - Feminizing Futures

    Welcome to a episode where we explore Nur Anisah Abdullah's groundbreaking research paper, 'Feminizing Futures,' published in the Journal of Futures Studies. This essential work dives deep into how contemporary futurists define and integrate feminism into their professional practice. In this discussion, we'll uncover: The diverse perspectives of eleven futurists on what feminism means to them and why they embrace it, responding to Ivana Milojević's "The Hesitant Feminist's Guide to the Future".Their critiques of patriarchal systems and the drive for a more holistic, systemic change that extends beyond traditional gender issues to include cultural recognition and the dismantling of oppressive structures.The challenges these futurists face, addressing individual, societal, and systemic barriers such as exclusion, marginalisation, systemic inequality, and the dominance of traditional perspectives. We'll also examine how these challenges are understood through Causal Layered Analysis (CLA), identifying associated systemic causes like patriarchy, Western-centric narratives, and capitalist worldviews.Transformative visions for the future, illuminated by powerful metaphors that describe both current realities—such as "Echo Chamber of Dominant Voices" and "The Walled Garden"—and aspirations for change, including "Listening Wildflower Beds" and "Handing Over The Compass".Tune in to understand how 'Feminizing Futures' marks a crucial dialogue between feminism and futures studies, advocating for a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate future that prioritizes diverse voices and systemic transformation. Ref: Nur Anisah Abdullah. (n.d.). Feminizing Futures. Journal of Futures Studies. https://doi.org/10.6531/JFS.202503_29(3).0006

    19 min

  3. 02/07/2025

    #21 - The Futures Telescope: A Dynamic Tool for Exploring The Space of Possibilities

    "Dive into the Futures Telescope, an innovative framework for futures thinking that challenges traditional linear views of the future. This podcast explores how the Futures Telescope moves beyond static predictions by merging structured foresight with subjective perspectives. Discover how this dynamic tool, built on complexity theory, helps practitioners explore multiple futures by actively adjusting for personal biases—referred to as the "ocular lens"—and cultural paradigms—the "cultural lens". We'll discuss its iterative methodology, designed to foster collective sense-making and enable the co-creation of adaptive, pluralistic futures. Learn how the Futures Telescope helps navigate the "thick present" and the vast "space of possibilities". We'll also touch upon its unique approach that contrasts with the more rigid Futures Cone model and how it offers a path towards Protopia—a vision of steady, ongoing improvements rather than a fixed Utopia. Join us to understand how the Futures Telescope makes futures thinking more flexible, inclusive, and actionable for everyone, whether you're a seasoned futures practitioner or new to the field." Ref: Casado, E. T. (2025). The Futures Telescope: A Dynamic Tool for Exploring The Space of Possibilities. Journal of Futures Studies. https://doi.org/10.6531/JFS.202506_29(4).0005

    15 min

  4. 02/07/2025

    #20 - Revisiting the Use and Utility of Domain Mapping: A Comparative Study of the Future(s) of Diplomacy and International Affairs

    Welcome to Futures Research Unpacked! This episode dives into the crucial, yet often overlooked, role of domain mapping within strategic foresight. We unpack a unique research paper that empirically evaluates domain mapping's utility by analyzing years of exercises with Canadian public servants. Discover how domain mapping serves as a prerequisite for robust foresight, helping to conceptually frame complex topics like the future of diplomacy and international affairs. The research highlights the fascinating concept of 'thematic shifting' – how experts' perceptions evolve over time regarding key areas such as technology, values, economics, public health, and national security. Plus, gain valuable insights on facilitating effective domain mapping workshops, considering the vital importance of representation, group dynamics, and data quality. This discussion illustrates how domain mapping provides a crucial snapshot of current realities and evolving perspectives, animating all subsequent foresight processes. Ref: Wilner, A., & Stein, T. (2025). Revisiting the Use and Utility of Domain Mapping: A Comparative Study of the Future(s) of Diplomacy and International Affairs. FUTURES & FORESIGHT SCIENCE, 7(1), e70006. https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.70006

    16 min

  5. 01/07/2025

    #19 - Collective Sensemaking and Reframing in Futures Thinking Engagements: Lessons From a Responsible Futuring Learning Trajectory

    Join us for an insightful discussion on "Collective Sensemaking and Reframing in Futures Thinking Engagements: Lessons From a Responsible Futuring Learning Trajectory". This episode delves into how the Responsible Futuringapproach, a design-oriented method, facilitates collective sensemaking and reframing to foster futures thinking. We'll explore the paper's findings from a 4-day learning trajectory with professionals navigating digital transformations. Discover how Responsible Futuring organizes learning through four cognitive and experiential levels: understanding values, imagining, tangibilizing, and introspecting. We'll also break down its five sequential phases, from Articulating the Challenge to Reflecting and Reframing. A key takeaway from the research is the observed tendency towards solutionism among participants, where they prematurely focused on specific solutions rather than exploring broader, values-driven futures. We'll discuss this challenge, along with others such as the risk of extreme future visions and the difficulty of grounding abstract principles in everyday realities. Finally, we'll cover the paper's critical recommendations, including the need for iterative guidance, careful zooming processes to manage actor inclusion/exclusion, and clearer goals for speculative activities to enhance relevance. Tune in to understand how these insights can inform future-oriented activities in lifelong learning! Ref: Matos‐Castaño, J., Huinink, M., Zaga, C., & Van Der Voort, M. (2025). Collective Sensemaking and Reframing in Futures Thinking Engagements: Lessons From a Responsible Futuring Learning Trajectory. FUTURES & FORESIGHT SCIENCE, 7(1), e70002. https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.70002

    18 min

  6. 01/07/2025

    #18 - Avoiding Nightmare Forests: Insights From a Co‐Creative Workshop

    Join us for an insightful discussion as we unpack the research paper "Avoiding Nightmare Forests: Insights From a Co‐Creative Workshop". This episode explores the critical challenges facing Nordic forests, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and the balance required for a sustainable forest-based bioeconomy. We delve into a unique methodology: a co-creative workshop using a backcasting approach where research scholars were tasked with imagining undesirable, "nightmarish" future scenarios for Nordic forests. The goal was to identify what futures to avoid and then develop strategies to counteract them. Discover the key fears expressed by participants, such as: An adverse intensive forestry scenario leading to loss of biodiversity, no timber supply, and increased pressure from environmentalists putting all forests under protection.Scenarios of damaged forests and landscapes, invasive species and diseases, and the mass extinction of forest-dependent species.Crucially, the episode highlights the workshop's key findings, revealing that despite these fears, participants largely agreed on the importance of multifunctionality and the delivery of multiple ecosystem services as vital for the future sustainability of Nordic forests. We'll discuss the risk-mitigation strategies proposed by the scholars, which include: Adopting hybrid forest management approaches to preserve high-value biodiversity.Implementing precautionary measures in forestry decisions.Prohibiting practices like monocultures, clear-cutting, and peat mining.Promoting diverse tree species composition and continuous cover forest management.Emphasizing active engagement in governance through deliberative and participatory decision-making processes.Tune in to learn how imagining a "nightmare" future can be a powerful tool for creating a shared vision and identifying concrete actions to steer Nordic forests towards a more resilient and sustainable path. Ref: Nebasifu, A., Ekström, H., Iliev, B., Pihlainen, S., Linser, S., Polo‐Villanueva, F. D., Viljanen, A., Charlier, M., Rahman, Md. R., Niedzialkowski, K., Kuhlman, J., Assmuth, A., Garfield, D., D’Amato, D., & Droste, N. (2025). Avoiding Nightmare Forests: Insights From a Co‐Creative Workshop. FUTURES & FORESIGHT SCIENCE, 7(2), e70010. https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.70010

    15 min

  7. 30/06/2025

    #17 - Participatory Methods in Corporate Foresight: A Systematic Literature Review of Case Studies and Guidelines for Reporting

    Unpacking Participatory Methods in Corporate Foresight Join us as we dive into a critical systematic literature review by Delhaes, Vieira, Pimenta, and Oliveira that examines participatory methods in Corporate Foresight (CF) case studies published between 2003 and 2023. Despite case studies being essential for generating insights into CF research and demonstrating foresight approaches in practical contexts, the authors reveal significant challenges and gaps in how these studies are documented. In this episode, we'll explore: The landscape of Corporate Foresight: Where CF case studies are applied across diverse industries, particularly in technology-focused sectors like ICT and Automotive, and how they primarily support strategic and technology development decisions within companies.The surprising lack of innovation: Discover how the application of participatory methods is often limited to traditional setups, with workshops and interviews being the most frequently used methods, and a notable absence of emerging technologies like advanced data analytics or AI.Critical documentation gaps: We'll highlight the paper's key finding that few case studies comprehensively describe their participatory component, making it difficult to understand their design, implementation, and replicability. This often stems from a focus on sharing "best practices" rather than rigorous scientific reporting.The solution: PMDT: Learn about the Participatory Methods Documentation Taxonomy (PMDT), a practical guideline proposed by the authors to help researchers and practitioners better document participatory methods, enhancing transparency, replicability, and learning from future CF case studies. Tune in to understand the state of participatory methods in Corporate Foresight research and how improved documentation can lead to more insightful and verifiable studies. Ref: Delhaes, J. M., Vieira, A. C. L., Pimenta, J. F., & Oliveira, M. D. (2025). Participatory Methods in Corporate Foresight: A Systematic Literature Review of Case Studies and Guidelines for Reporting. FUTURES & FORESIGHT SCIENCE, 7(2), e70011. https://doi.org/10.1002/ffo2.70011

    19 min

  8. 30/06/2025

    #16 - A decolonial and participatory research approach to envision equitable transformations toward sustainability in the Amazon

    Unveiling Decolonial Futures: Empowering BIWOC in the Amazon Join us as we dive into a groundbreaking research paper that explores decolonial and participatory approaches to envision equitable transformations toward sustainability in the Amazon. This episode highlights a collaborative effort with 20 Black, Indigenous, and other Women of Color (BIWOC) in Colombia's Putumayo department, who are actively fighting against the exploitation of nature. Discover how researchers and BIWOC co-created a "safe enough" border space to challenge dominant Euro-Western perspectives and foster epistemic equity. We'll discuss their innovative methodology, which combines participatory scenario-building, storytelling, and Causal Layered Analysis (CLA). Learn how this research unpacked the causes of inequity and degradation, leading to the development of three radical future visions for the Amazon: "The Amazonian Desert," "A New Age," and "The Revenge of Coca". We'll also explore the emancipation pathways for BIWOC embedded within these narratives, showcasing the power of local voices and endogenous discourses, such as the Nasa people's worldview, the Afro-descendant vivir sabroso philosophy, and Zapatista autonomy principles. This discussion emphasizes the crucial role of diverse worldviews and decolonial praxis in shaping genuinely equitable and sustainable futures, demonstrating a powerful methodological approach to include marginalized perspectives in sustainability agendas. REF: Sánchez-García, P. A., Schröter, B., Krause, T., Merrie, A. S., Pereira, L., Nielsen, J. Ø., & Loft, L. (2025). A decolonial and participatory research approach to envision equitable transformations toward sustainability in the Amazon. Futures, 172, 103638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2025.103638

    23 min
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Explore thought-provoking research in futures studies, strategic foresight, and related fields. In each episode, we break down one paper in a way that’s easy to follow but still rich in ideas. Perfect for your commute, and great for deciding whether a paper deserves a deeper read. Selections are guided by my personal curiosity rather than strict criteria. If you’ve authored a paper and would like it featured, feel free to reach out. Audio is AI-generated using Google’s NotebookLM. Please refer to the original sources for validation before using the content for serious or scholarly purposes.

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