How Do We Make Sense of the Future? An Analysis of Futures Research Methodology - V2.0

This paper focuses on how to create value and meaning for users of the AC/UNU Millennium project ”Futures Research Methodology V-2.0” report. Sensemaking is presented as a possible framework for achieving this objective, and supplements the efforts already invested in this direction by the ”Futures Research Methodology V 2.0”. The rationale for this supplement will also be presented. When applied the ”Futures Research Methodology V-2.0” shows, in general, some interesting features characteristic of the implementation of knowledge systems. In particular, the emergence of effects that are beyond the initial but not the final scope of the system. Sensemaking addresses the challenge of understanding and retrieving such dissipation from the knowledge system, and aims to bring it within a manageable range. In this way the article particularly addresses the shift that results from understanding and managing complexity. It puts forth a demonstration of these effects on futures research methods, and shows how foresight and hindsight may be used to gain insight into the present.

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