Topics for future Foresight projects are identified through a range of consultative processes. A short-listed topic will:
- Be future-oriented, and based upon science and technology
- Not duplicate work taking place elsewhere
- Have action-oriented outcomes that can be influenced by the work of the project
- Have buy-in and commitment from all key stakeholders
- Involve cross-disciplinary science and technology, and cross-Departmental policy issues.
A project can start once there is support from the government department with a policy lead for the subject and agreement of a minister from that department to lead the project.
Foresight has been operating this project-based approach since 2002, but the programme has been running since 1994. In the 1993 White Paper, 'Realising our Potential - A Strategy for Science, Engineering and Technology', the Government emphasised the importance of science, engineering and technology to wealth creation and the quality of life while sustaining a strong science and engineering base in the country. To support this, the Government announced that it would launch a Technology Foresight Programme, led by the Chief Scientific Adviser. The aim was to ensure closer interaction between scientists, industry and government through a programme, which sought to identify future opportunities and threats for science engineering and technology.
Current projects
Land Use Futures
Global Food and Farming Futures
Recent completed work
Sustainable Energy Management and the Built Environment
Mental Capital and Wellbeing
Tackling Obesities: Future Choices
