COURSE OVERVIEW

In this course, participants will explore recent developments in the theory and practice of anticipatory systems and processes (ASP). Combining cutting-edge action-learning methods with hands-on design experience, the course will equip participants with key conceptual and practical skills needed to apply futures thinking more effectively and efficiently. By becoming more futures literate the participants in this course will be better able to understand and respond to the changes taking place in their work-places and different communities, from local to global.

Designed specifically to address recent concerns about the future, from climate change and artificial intelligence to global fragmentation and inequality, this course will be of benefit to a wide range participants. The topics covered and learning techniques of the course will appeal to both novices and experts. Engaging directly with the diversity of their own ASP enables participants to grasp the benefits for themselves and their organizations of identifying and distinguishing different categories of imagined futures.

Facilitator

Professor Riel Miller
Senior Fellow at: Ecole des Ponts Business School; Herbert J. Smith Centre, U. New Brunswick; Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research & Education; U. Stavanger; U. Witwatersrand; Future Africa, U. Pretoria

Riel Miller is one of the world’s leading authorities on the theory and practice of using the future to change what people see and do. He is recognized as an innovative and globally experienced project initiator, designer, and manager. He is widely published in academic journals and other media on a range of topics, from the future of the Internet to transforming strategic processes. He is an accomplished keynote speaker and facilitator.

Riel Miller started his career at the OECD in Paris in 1982 in the Economics Department. Completed his PhD in Economics at the New School for Social Research in 1987. From 1985 to 1993 he worked for the Ontario Government, in the legislature and as a senior manager in the Ontario public service (Ministries of Finance; Universities; and Industry). In 1995 he returned to the OECD to work in the International Futures Programme and with the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation. In 2005 he founded an independent consultancy – xperidox (which means knowledge through experience) to advise public and private sector clients from around the world on how to use the future more effectively. From mid-2012 to early 2022 Riel served as Head of Foresight and Futures Literacy at UNESCO.

Co-Facilitator

Asma Al Hamed
Associate Project Manager Dubai Future Foundation

Asma Al Hamed is a capacity building specialist at the Dubai Future Foundation, where she actively works to empower individuals to become future-ready. As part of her role, Asma has co-designed, facilitated and delivered courses and programs that aim to provide the tools needed to create a better future for Dubai and the UAE. She contributed to the contextualization of offerings to ensure their relevance to the UAE context.

As part of her journey towards futures studies, Asma has been mentored by professor Markku Wilenius, a global foresight expert from the University of Turku, Finland, where she learnt about key foresight methodologies and practices. She has keen interest in instilling a future mindset into the wider community, particularly the younger generation, in order to become active contributors towards shaping our future.

Asma’s interests include the following topics: Society, systems thinking, psychology, sustainability, leadership, and entrepreneurship.