Applied Strategic Foresight

On site in Copenhagen

Learn how to bring futures thinking into strategy

Strategic foresight helps organisations explore how the future might unfold and use those insights to inform better decisions today. As complexity, uncertainty, and rapid change place increasing strain on traditional decision-making frameworks, organisations need new ways to question assumptions and think more systematically about the future. Foresight provides structured approaches for exploring how different forces of change may interact and shape alternative futures.

In this course, participants are introduced to a structured foresight process for exploring dynamics of change, understanding critical uncertainty, and developing alternative scenarios. Working with practical foresight tools, participants learn how to navigate uncertainty and stress-test strategies against divergent future conditions.

Through a hands-on format combining theory and practical exercises, participants build the capability to apply strategic foresight in their own professional work. Drawing on the methods and experience of CIFS foresight practitioners who work daily with strategic foresight and futures-oriented issues, the course provides practical experience using foresight tools to widen strategic perspective and drive more futures-oriented strategic discussions in organisations - giving participants the confidence to bring futures thinking into their own strategic practice.

Who is this for?

The course is a popular choice for decision-makers, innovation managers, strategic planners, business developers, designers, and other professionals who want to strengthen their ability to work more strategically with the future.

What will you learn on the course?

  • Understanding foresight fundamentals
    Gain a solid foundation in foresight and futures thinking practices, including hands-on experience with key tools from the CIFS approach to applied strategic foresight.
  • Exploring change and building futures scenarios
    Learn how to explore the dynamics of change, identify key uncertainties, and frame robust futures scenarios with strategic relevance that move beyond simple trend extrapolation.
  • Cultivating a futures mindset:
    Build confidence in futures thinking while developing a deeper awareness of how our assumptions about the future shape decisions today, enabling you to look beyond existing systems and thinking patterns.
  • Connecting foresight to strategy
    Understand the strategic implications of alternative futures and learn how to connect foresight to strategic purpose and decision-making.
  • Building community
    Exchange experiences and perspectives with foresight-curious professionals from different organisations and industries, and connect with others working with strategy, innovation, and the future.

What are the course modules?

The course is structured around a practical foresight workflow across different foresight phases that moves from understanding change and uncertainty to developing scenarios and translating insights into strategy. Throughout the course, facilitators draw on their experience working with strategic foresight and futures-oriented challenges across organisations and industries.
  • Using the Future
    Understand how organisations can “use the future” through strategic foresight, and why developing insights about alternative futures is increasingly important for guiding strategic thinking.
  • Exploring dynamics of change
    Explore how different forces of change interact and shape the future. This module helps participants recognise that change is rarely straightforward and often unfolds through complex interactions between multiple forces.
  • Understanding key strategic uncertainties
    Identify and make sense of the uncertainties that matter most by examining the uncertainties  surrounding critical strategic issues.
  • Building futures scenarios
    Develop robust alternative future scenarios and explore what different futures mean for strategic decisions in the present.
  • Transitioning from foresight to strategy
    Translate foresight insights into strategic conversations by understanding the implications of alternative futures for strategy and decision-making.

Where and how does the course take place?

The course takes place over two full days at our location in Copenhagen.

The training combines presentations with hands-on workshops facilitated by CIFS advisors and futurists with extensive experience working internationally.

The interactive format ensures participants actively engage with the tools and concepts introduced during the course.

Seats are limited to ensure close interaction, discussion, and feedback within the group.

What does the course include?

  • Live instruction and facilitation by CIFS advisors and futurists
  • Immersion in the CIFS approach to applied strategic foresight
  • Access to proprietary CIFS futures studies and strategic foresight tools
  • Course materials (provided prior to the course) and presenter slides
  • LinkedIn certificate of course completion badge
  • Digital certificate of completion (available upon request)
  • Free one-year personal CIFS Futures Membership (excluding shipping costs for FARSIGHT outside Denmark)
  • Networking opportunities with like-minded business professionals
  • Light breakfast, lunch, and refreshments on each course day

Price

2600 EUR (+ 25% VAT)

Dates Available

Mar 26-27 (FEW SEATS LEFT) | Apr 27-28 (SOLD OUT) | May 21–22 | Jun 25-26

Location and Time

BLOXHUB · Bryghuspladsen 8 · Copenhagen
9.00-17.00 Local Time

Trusted by organisations and individuals around the world

4.5

Course satisfaction rating
"Great insights and perspectives to extend the short-termism view to the wider long-term perspective.

Change the mindset and see the present through the lens of the future and not the other way around."
"This two-day course is an excellent opportunity to experience strategic foresight in person and in action.

The shared imaginative and rigorous journey involved in creating scenarios was one I will carry with me into my future team meetings in the hopes of nurturing a futures mindset in my organization."
"An engaging and thought-provoking experience.

This course reveals how important and transforming it is to utilize the future(s) as a strategic asset. And more importantly, it shows you how to do it."
In case of cancellation or changes to your registration, please read our course cancellation and payment policy.

Please note that full payment must be received no later than 14 days prior to the course start date. CIFS reserves the right to cancel registrations in the event of non-payment.

Please note we charge Danish VAT
You may as a foreign organisation, however, subsequently claim refund of the VAT from the tax authorities.

For more details on our courses contact courses@cifs.dk

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which course is right for me?

Our courses are independent and can be combined or attended in any order. They dive into different aspects of futures thinking and foresight and are continually evolving to keep up with advances in foresight. You can find the learning outcomes listed under each course, which may help you compare their focus areas. If you are still in doubt, feel free to reach out to us.

Does course participation require specific prior knowledge?

No. The courses are designed to be accessible whether you are new to foresight or already familiar with it - as long as you are prepared to learn and actively engage. Each course provides the necessary theoretical foundation to support the workshop activities, ensuring that everyone can follow along.

For those new to the field, the courses provide a wholistic and solid foundation of the topic, which aim to cultivate a mindset that embraces uncertainty as a resource and challenge conventional thinking. Meanwhile participants already familiar with aspects of foresight and futures thinking may build upon and expand their existing skillsets through new tools, practical applications, and gain new perspectives through discussions.

How often will I receive communication from CIFS?  

You will hear from us three times:

1 - After signing up - You will receive a confirmation email from no-reply@event.it with further practical information about the course.

2 - One week before the course - You will receive course details and any preparatory materials. No additional preparation is required unless otherwise specified.

3 - After the course - You will receive the course slides and other relevant content.

When will I receive preparatory materials?  

One week prior to the course you will receive an email from us with preparatory materials. Please put aside approximately 1 hour to read and digest the information.  

How quickly can I expect a response to my inquiry?

Upon inquiry at courses@cifs.dk, you can expect to hear back from us within 3–5 working days. We aim to respond on a day-to-day basis outside peak periods.

Do you provide hotel recommendations?

We have agreements with selected nearby hotels that offer course participants a 10-15% discount. Details hereof are included in your order confirmation email.

Please note that the discounts are already embedded in the booking links provided. This means the reduced price is automatically applied when you book through these.

Do you still have available seats at the course?

When reaching the maximum capacity of course seats, the course will figure as 'Sold Out' at the website and it will no longer be possible to sign up. So if this is not the case, then there are still available seats.

Do you provide discounts?

Yes, you may be eligible for discounts if:

- You are a student or an NGO employee and the course is determined of significant relevance to your work or studies - please contact us to discuss your options.

- You are a Futures Partner, as this entitles you to two complimentary seats on one of our popular courses. Learn more about becoming a Futures Partner here.

- If the above categories do not apply to you, but you would like to hear more about discounts then please write to us at courses@cifs.dk

What should I do if my VAT number is not accepted during registration?

First, make sure you have selected the correct country. Then check that your VAT number contains only digits and does not include the country code.  

If this is not the issue, please reach out to us for assistance.

Example: If your VAT number is DK24983528, select Denmark as the country and enter only 24983528 in the VAT number field.

How do I register if my organisation is VAT excempt?

Please reach out to us with your company and participant information.  

What do I do if I am unable to attend the course?

If you are unable to attend due to unexpected circumstances, reach out to us and you may transfer your seat:

- More than one (1) month before the course: to a later course date (subject to availability).

- Less than one (1) month before the course: to another person within your organisation.

Is the course refundable?

Course registration is binding, and purchases are generally non-refundable due to limited seats in each course.  

However, we understand that unexpected circumstances can arise. Refunds can be granted only in exceptional circumstances at our discretion, but administrative fees are not refundable.

What other courses do we offer?

Applied Strategic Foresight
Copenhagen
Mar. 26-27 (FEW SEATS LEFT) | Apr. 27-28 (SOLD OUT) | May 21–22 | Jun. 25-26
Learn how to bring futures thinking and foresight into strategy with an intensive and hands-on course in an engaging on-site learning environment. A popular choice for decision-makers, innovation managers, strategic planners, and people who want to get a head-start working strategically with the future.

Applied Strategic Foresight
Sydney, Australia
Mar. 23 - 24 (SOLD OUT)
This course is being offered for the first time in the Australia. Join us in Sydney for an immersive learning experience. Learn how to bring futures thinking and foresight into strategy with an intensive and hands-on course in an engaging on-site learning environment.
Strategize like a Futurist
online with hyper island
Apr. 15 - May 20
Learn how to bring futures thinking and foresight into strategy with an enhanced and more flexible online learning journey in collaboration with our partners at Hyper Island.
Futures and Foresight with AI (On-site)
Copenhagen
Jun. 8 - 9
This will help you benefit from the capabilities of generative AI in foresight and drive radical futures-driven innovation. Through expert facilitation and hands-on learning, you will be equipped with the tools and insights needed to more effectively integrate AI into the field of foresight and for driving innovation.
Macro Futures Masterclass
Copenhagen
Mar. 13
Join us for a Macro Futures Masterclass led by Daria “Dasha” Krivonos, CEO of the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. Dasha is a globally recognized and sought after foresight expert and keynote speaker, bringing extensive global experience at the intersection of foresight, macro futures, and strategic risk management.