Posted: 6th May 2024

Why we all need to by more futures literate

What if the way you decide what to wear to a party could help you understand global social change?

That’s exactly the kind of question we asked in our recent webinar with economist and futures literacy expert Dr. Stefan Bergheim. It sounds strange, but his interactive exercise on party preparation sparked a deeply human and surprisingly complex discussion on how we all make decisions based on the future we imagine.

This is what futures literacy is about. It’s the capacity to understand how we anticipate, how we build mental models of the future, and how those models influence our actions right now. In a world of increasing complexity, this skill is becoming vital.

Stefan walked us through key concepts from the theory of anticipation, originally developed by biologist Robert Rosen, and linked them with complexity science using Dave Snowden’s Cynefin Framework. The takeaway? Most of the systems we live and work in aren’t just complicated; they’re complex. They evolve, they surprise, and they demand creativity and reflection more than control.

That’s where Futures Literacy Laboratories (FLLs) come in. These aren’t think tanks or planning workshops. They’re carefully designed learning experiences that invite participants to imagine different futures, question their assumptions, and discover new possibilities for action. Whether it’s a corporate team, a group of educators, or teenagers in school, everyone has something to gain.

The work with young people was especially moving. In these labs, students created sci-fi stories, shared dreams for a better world, and reflected on their roles in shaping it. Many had never been asked what they really want the future to look like. The results were confidence, joy, and a feeling of agency.

But it wasn’t all light-hearted. The conversation also addressed how difficult it can be to talk about the future when there’s fear, inequality, or trauma. Still, as Stefan reminded us, simply making assumptions visible is a powerful step. When we understand our own mental models—and those of others—we lay the groundwork for empathy and collaboration.

Futures literacy is a mindset. And as we navigate complex challenges like climate change, AI, and social division, we need this mindset more than ever. When we imagine better futures together, we create the space to build them.