In the dynamic landscape of governance, where challenges demand innovative solutions, the Government of Flanders stands at the forefront of transformation. To address the complex interplay of global forces, from the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the complexities of climate change and geopolitical shifts, foresight is the compass for navigating uncertainty.

In an era marked by immediate crises and enduring threats, governments find themselves under intense scrutiny. Among the numerous pressing challenges they must confront are climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, and geopolitical tension, such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and unprecedented waves of migration add even more disruptive change. To meet these challenges, governments must be not only reactive, but proactive, visionary and forward-thinking.

Across OECD countries, the adoption of strategic foresight – defined as an established practice of an organisation to constantly perceive, make sense of, and act upon the future as it emerges – has become indispensable for governments seeking to anticipate and navigate complex and volatile policy landscapes. Strategic foresight guides the formulation of policies that are robust and adaptable in the face of uncertainty. It facilitates the establishment of shared objectives, the reframing of policy issues, the early detection of emerging trends, the rigorous testing of existing policies, and the fostering of innovation for better outcomes.

Strategic foresight is a crucial tool for understanding and proactively engaging with the future. Governments face an increasingly intricate and uncertain landscape, requiring public policies to adapt to emerging dynamics and meet the evolving needs and expectations of society. Beyond merely enhancing policy coherence and shaping long-term strategies, strategic foresight helps foster resilience within policy-making systems. Resilience here refers to the government’s capacity not only to withstand and manage challenges but to navigate transitions sustainably, equitably, and democratically.

Strategic foresight is a crucial tool for understanding and proactively engaging with the future. Governments face an increasingly intricate and uncertain landscape, requiring public policies to adapt to emerging dynamics and meet the evolving needs and expectations of society. Beyond merely enhancing policy coherence and shaping long-term strategies, strategic foresight helps foster resilience within policy-making systems. Resilience here refers to the government’s capacity not only to withstand and manage challenges but to navigate transitions sustainably, equitably, and democratically.

Given the important role of strategic foresight in policy-making and resilience, the government of Flanders has been taking steps to systematise its capabilities in the area. In 2021, a new and dedicated unit – Strategic Insights and Analyses (SIA) – was created at the Chancellery and Foreign Office as part of the recommendations of the Economic and Social Recovery Committees. Within the Flemish Resilience and Recovery plan (RRP) and the Flemish contribution to the RRP of Belgium monitoring activities, the unit would strongly benefit from high-level technical support to develop strategic foresight capacity. In 2022, the government of Flanders began collaborating with the OECD on assessing the current strategic foresight capacity of the government of Flanders and co-creating a blueprint for the systemic integration of strategic foresight into its policy-making system.

Global challenges require international networks to produce and use strategic foresight (Bos, Brown and Farrelly, 2015[1]). This is important not only on the national, but also regional and local levels. Global trends need to be contextualised, and specific effects and challenges identified. There is also a great deal of mutual learning that can happen between regions, with exploring and mapping emerging change, and learning from novel policy and service innovations.

Flanders has taken an ambitious stance in building up resilience in its policy-making system. The government has invested in long-term policies in key EU resilience areas, and started upgrading towards a more resilient governance system. Without systemic use of strategic foresight this will be impossible. Strategic foresight serves multiple purposes that build towards preparedness, effective communication with stakeholders and better implementation of policies in the long-term. Collaborative and participatory foresight tools help structure discussions and encourage collective thinking about future challenges. They also foster openness and transparency about complex issues.