A generic foresight process framework

TLDR

The framework was developed during the author’s work introducing foresight into the formal strategic planning of a public‑sector university in Australia. The paper outlines a generic foresight process framework built on prior work by Mintzberg, Horton, and Slaughter. The framework delineates distinct phases from information gathering to producing outputs that feed into strategy development and planning. The framework serves as a diagnostic tool for analysing foresight and strategy practices and as a design aid for custom foresight projects, with lessons drawn from a two‑and‑a‑half‑year engagement.

Abstract

A generic foresight process framework is outlined, based on prior independent work by Mintzberg, Horton and Slaughter. The framework was developed as part of work carried out by the author during the introduction of foresight into the formal strategic planning of a public‐sector university in Australia. The framework recognises several distinct phases, leading from the initial gathering of information, through to the production of outputs intended as input into the more familiar activities of strategy development and strategic planning. The framework is also useful as a diagnostic tool for examining how foresight work and strategy are undertaken, as well as a design aid for customised foresight projects and processes. Some observations and reflections are made on lessons learned from a two‐and‐a‐half year engagement as an organisationally‐based foresight practitioner.