Disentangling strategic foresight? A critical analysis of the term building on the pioneering work of Richard Slaughter

Article

van der Laan, Luke. 2021. "Disentangling strategic foresight? A critical analysis of the term building on the pioneering work of Richard Slaughter." Futures. 132, pp. 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2021.102782
Article Title

Disentangling strategic foresight? A critical analysis of the term building on the pioneering work of Richard Slaughter

ERA Journal ID18535
Article CategoryArticle
Authors
Authorvan der Laan, Luke
Journal TitleFutures
Journal Citation132, pp. 1-11
Article Number102782
Number of Pages11
Year2021
PublisherElsevier
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN0016-3287
1873-6378
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2021.102782
Web Address (URL)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0016328721000914
Abstract

The use of the term 'Strategic Foresight' is broad and prolific in current academic discourse. With a growth in its use, confusion as to the definition and application of the concept has emerged. This paper seeks to disentangle the sometimes contradictory and misapplied usage of the term. Research into the definition, nature and measurement of strategic foresight is scarce. However, its use as a descriptive term is widespread and abundant.The paper seeks to distill key insights as they relate to the term based on an interpretation of Richard Slaughter’s earlier works in the context of more recent publications. It found that the term has been described as an individual ability, a process or activity. The paper concludes by proposing a definition and conceptual model of strategic foresight. The paper also describes the significant influence of Slaughter's work on the work of the author.

Keywordsstrategic foresight; strategy; Foresight; strategic foresight framework; definition
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020350799. Strategy, management and organisational behaviour not elsewhere classified
350718. Strategy
390115. Work integrated learning (incl. internships)
Public Notes

The accessible file is the accepted version of the paper. Please refer to the URL for the published version.

Byline AffiliationsSchool of Education
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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