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Research proposes new foresight model for futures dialogue between Government and Parliament

Government Communications Department
Publication date 30.11.2015 9.36
Press release 639/2015

A study published on 30 November indicates that the work on foresight between Government and Parliament could be revamped and developed. To do so, researchers from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd propose a systemic model for foresight which better enables to take into account simultaneous needs to develop information, skills and networks.

Reform is necessary, according to the report, as the arena for political decision-making has become more multidimensional and interdependent. Besides collecting data on the future, the futures work between Government and Parliament should be able to respond to new challenges more swiftly and flexibly. It should also accumulate the expertise required for foresight activities.

- Finland is a leading producer of national foresight and futures activities, but the current way of conducting foresight cannot meet new demands. The existing operating mode, where the Government formulates a Government Report on the Future once each government term and Parliament responds to it, is deemed cumbersome. Moreover, participation by citizens in the preparation of the Government Report is advocated. This type of work should also better exploit foresight expertise, says Mikko Dufva, researcher at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd and one of the authors of the report.

Open dialogue, flexibility and continuity

Different foresight projects and processes are an integral part of a larger entity in the systemic model, where Finland's future is viewed by focusing on different phenomena and perspectives. This makes it possible to flexibly carry out many small and rapid projections into phenomena that are topical or otherwise of interest and to form streamlined projects and discussions on the basis of existing outcomes. The Government report on the Future consists of the results of various projects and of discussions on the approaches to future held over the government term. To work properly, the model requires a significant degree of openness, proper dialogue between different parties and the ability to be flexible, question one's own assumptions and take other people's views into consideration. 

-The model we propose describes different ways of organising foresight, itemises different perspectives for foresight and offers practical tools for implementing futures work. In the end, it is the dialogue between Government and Parliament that shapes Finland's future. It is therefore important that it is transparent, draws on best suited foresight methods, and is based on existing data and knowledge, says Mikko Dufva.

The report "Miten edistää hallituksen ja eduskunnan välistä tulevaisuusdialogia?" (How to Enhance Futures Dialogue between the Government and Parliament?) was carried out as part of the implementation of the Government's 2015 plan for analysis, assessment and research. It was drawn up by researchers Mikko Dufva and Toni Ahlqvist from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. 

Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities

Inquiries: Researcher Mikko Dufva, tel. +358 40 765 8412, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd and Kaisa Oksanen, Scientific Project Manager, tel. +358 295 160 430, Prime Minister’s Office.

English translation of the press release published on 1 December 2015