Sign in or 
Location: Articles & Databases
Discussion: 14 Tips for Becoming an Active Futurist
Category:
Discussion Forum /
General Discussion
Share this
Showing 5 posts
Hejazi |
14 Tips for Becoming an Active Futurist
Jul 1 2010, 5:12 AM EDT
Surely an informal opportunity for scientific cooperation with other futurists specially the open minded ones would be more valuable than attending a formal study program. My experience has shown me that this kind of friendship is more fruitful, because everyday you can learn new ideas from those professionals who think creatively about the future. This can be a good way for becoming a futurist.Here are tips and my personal suggestions to become a futurist. Read the full article at: http://www.futuresdiscovery.com/Futures%20Studies/14%20Tips%20for%20Becoming%20an%20Active%20Futurist.htm Do you find this valuable?
Keyword tags:
articles
|
Frank_Spencer |
1. RE: 14 Tips for Becoming an Active Futurist
Jul 4 2010, 11:00 AM EDT
Greetings! I completely agree that collaboration with other Futurists is a vital part of being a good foresight practitioner, but I've been hearing a similar argument recently from another Futurist who is adamantly against formal study in the field, and I would say this: Any formal study program worth its weight in gold will have you collaborating with practicing Futurists as part of the program. Also, for a field to gain momentum and use within a larger multidisciplinary context, it must develop a strong theory base, and this comes from academic research (whether that is in the form of "brick and mortar" institutions or new ideas centered around open source academics.) Besides, the more formal programs that adopt Futures Studies, the more it gains momentum in all quadrants. This does not have to be an "either/or" argument, as both formal study and ongoing collaboration with Futurists who are doing a variety of work in the field - as well as working with professionals outside of the Futures/Foresight domain - are both important. Interestingly, almost every one of the Advisors in FERN have taught me a great deal about Futures work, both of the academic and practicing variety, and I know almost all of the other directors through an equal split in terms of academics and non-academics. One trait of being an "active Futurist"... no absolutes.
Do you find this valuable?
|
|
Hejazi |
2. RE: 14 Tips for Becoming an Active Futurist
Jul 4 2010, 12:43 PM EDT
"Also, for a field to gain momentum and use within a larger multidisciplinary context, it must develop a strong theory base, and this comes from academic research (whether that is in the form of "brick and mortar" institutions or new ideas centered around open source academics.) "Dear Frank, Thanks a lot for your comment. In fact you completed my little article and I learned great points from your perspective. I have no more thing to add, but don't you think that we should not be too much occupied with theories and theoritical bases? I think it may kill our innovative thought as it guides us to think in determined ways and frames not new ones. Do you find this valuable? |
|
Frank_Spencer |
3. RE: 14 Tips for Becoming an Active Futurist
Jul 4 2010, 2:20 PM EDT
Alireza,Just read your original article, very well done! I'm very much looking forward to connecting with you more, and learning from you as well. I believe I know what you are saying and the perspective you are coming from, but I would add that theory base is critical for the growth of a field, both within its own ranks and for acceptance in practical ways within other domains. This is true of science, medicine, engineering, psychology, etc., and applies to futures & foresight as well. One of our problems has actually been that not enough theory base has been built up in Futures Studies and Strategic Foresight, not that we have focused on theory too much in our field. This is one of the reasons that many people can call themselves Futurists without knowing ANY futures perspective, methodology, field history, quantitative/qualitative ideology, etc. They simply study trends in one particular field (say, mobile or some specific technology) and then become popular keynote speakers that know how to give their audience an "a ha" moment, but have no follow-up that implements real strategic change, adaptability, or transformation beyond near-term trends. All this to say that only being occupied with theory should not be the point of building a good theory base anyway. Unless it translates to practical work, it has little value. And, unless the field is diverse and expands through unique ideas and new methods that come from imaginative and well-trained Futurists & foresight specialists - both behind the academic walls and outside of them - it doesn't even fit the spirit of the field itself (in my humble opinion). So, in slightly different ways, we are very much in agreement! Frank 1 out of 1 found this valuable. Do you? |
|
Hejazi |
4. RE: 14 Tips for Becoming an Active Futurist
Jul 6 2010, 1:35 AM EDT
Dear Frank,I got exactly what you are talking about. Please read my new article at: http://www.futuresdiscovery.com/Futures%20Studies/7Dreams.htm especially the 3rd section (3. Futurists Qualifying System) related to your sincere and real concerns for the futurists. Talking and perhaps cooperating with you will be an honor of mine. With my best wishes, Alireza Do you find this valuable? |
