Strategic foresight isn’t about predicting the future – it’s about anticipating and preparing for it.

Strategic foresight as a discipline exists to challenge the limits of linear thinking in strategic planning. This course equips you with the tools, mindsets, and structured processes for anticipating change, navigating uncertainty, challenging strategic assumptions, and planning for alternative scenarios.

In this course collaboration, the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies bring their knowledge and expertise from working daily with strategic foresight and futures- oriented issues.

check Business Leaders & Strategic Planners – Professionals responsible for setting long-term strategies and navigating uncertainty.
check Innovation & Change Agents – Those driving transformation, managing disruption, and looking to future-proof their organizations.
check Researchers & Designers – Individuals seeking to incorporate futures thinking into product development, research, and user experience.
check Curious Minds – Anyone eager to get a head-start working strategically with the future.

Module 1 - Using The Future expand_more expand_less

Principles for Strategic Foresight.
Principles for Futures Thinking.
Examples of Applied Strategic Foresight.

Module 2 - Exploring Dynamics Of Change expand_more expand_less

CIFS Megatrends.
How and where to look for change.
Introduction to topical case used in the course.

Module 3 - Understanding Strategic Uncertainty expand_more expand_less

Engaging with uncertainty.
Identifying strategic uncertainties.
Impact/uncertainty assessment.

Module 4 - Building Futures Scenarios expand_more expand_less

Defining scenario properties.
Crafting scenario narratives.
Effective ways of communicating scenarios and foresight work.

Module 5 - Connecting Foresight to Strategic Purpose expand_more expand_less

Understanding strategic implications from alternative futures.
Developing strategic responses.
Windtunelling strategies.

Module 6 - Be Inspired To Inspire The Change expand_more expand_less

Action Learning Projects.
Bringing your newfound skills ‘home’ to your professional context.
Role modelling and scaling change.

Frameworks, Methods & Tools expand_more expand_less

Futures & Foresight principles and vocabulary.
CIFS Megatrends report.
The Futures Triangle (tool).
Impact/Uncertainty Matrix (tool).
Scenario Development (tool).
Scenario Immersion & Windtunelling (tool).
CIFS Foresight Toolkit (incl. tools not directly applied in the course).
Supporting and contextualising cases and content.
Peer-to-peer learning with other participants.
Individual reflection track.

Strategic Foresight & Futures Thinking

Gain a deep a deep understanding of the discipline of strategic foresight and the role
of futures thinking as a cognitive practice, and why these capabilities matter for decision-making in an evolving and uncertain environment.

Scenario Planning & Uncertainty Management

Develop the ability to evaluate critical uncertainties and craft robust future scenarios that enable you to explore alternative outcomes, uncover novel perspectives and strategic contexts often difficult to grasp in the present — and use them as tools for reflection and strategic dialogue.

Foresight Tools & Methodologies

Understand the key concepts and approaches of foresight and master key tools from the foresight toolbox, such as the Futures Triangle, Impact/Uncertainty Matrix, and scenario building techniques.

Strategic Decision-Making

Understand strategic implications of alternative futures and how to connect foresight to strategic purpose, enabling you to translate foresight outcomes into strategic action. Explore scenario immersion techniques to test both current and emerging strategies, for example through future-back stress-testing.

Driving Change & Embedding Foresight

Finding ways to ways to operationalise your newfound skills and insights in your own
professional context, from influencing leadership to help fostering a foresight- oriented culture across the organisation.

Simon has been with the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies since 2016, where he serves as Director of Strategic Foresight. He has led and participated in many complex foresight advisory projects with high-level national and international stakeholders, and he brings this applied experience with him into this course. His work focuses on improving organisational anticipation and resilience by challenging outdated outlooks and misguided assumptions about the future. A self-described ‘foresight nerd’, Simon is deeply committed to maintaining high ambition and standards in the practice of foresight.

Simon Fuglsang Østergaard

Anastasija is a vibrant facilitator and learning program producer at Hyper Island, she thrives in engaging with diverse teams and stakeholders from varied backgrounds embodying a hands-on approach to the facilitation process and design. With a keen interest and experience in the Wind Power industry, showcasing her versatile expertise, she blends her analytical and creative skills beyond her facilitator role, as she is also an adept Project Manager.

Anastasija Timoseva

I highly recommend the Strategize like a Futurist course. The CIFS know-how and experience connected with the Hyper Island approach was a really informative and pleasant experience.I would have loved more time with them and our awesome cohort.

Victor Lopes Mascarenhas

Strategic design & Innovation Consultant

How do the online courses work? add remove

Our online courses consist of weekly live sessions and some independent work in between to help reinforce your learning and connect with instructors and peers.

Do I need to attend live sessions? add remove

We strongly recommend it! The live sessions are where you’ll engage in discussions, ask questions, and apply what you’ve learned. Recordings are available if you can’t make it.

How much time should I set aside each week? add remove

Plan for 3–5 hours per week, including one live session, readings, and hands-on exercises. You’ll find the exact schedule in the course syllabus.

What platforms or tools do you use? add remove

We use Google Meet for our live sessions and provide all course materials via email or a shared learning space.

Will I get a certificate? add remove

Yes! You'll receive a certificate within 1-2 weeks of completion if you participate in the live sessions and complete all required coursework.

Is the course suitable for teams? add remove

Absolutely, it’s designed to work well for both individuals and teams. If you're looking for a more private experience or tailored solutions for your team or organization, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

What support is available during the course? add remove

You’ll have direct access to a course facilitator, tech support via email, and a community of fellow learners for peer support and collaboration.

Can my company pay with a credit card or invoice? add remove

Yes. You can register as a company and choose to pay by credit card or invoice. If you choose an invoice, you’ll receive a payment link to pay by bank transfer or card.

Is there a possibility for a payment plan? add remove

The course must be paid in full before you begin. However, if you require multiple invoices, we can accommodate that. Please get in touch with our team to discuss the options.

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About the course

Think beyond the present forecasts

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

INVEST IN YOUR TEAM

Course Content

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Learning Outcomes

Strategic Foresight & Futures Thinking

Scenario Planning & Uncertainty Management

Foresight Tools & Methodologies

Strategic Decision-Making

Driving Change & Embedding Foresight

asses your profile

Is this the right course for you?

Simon Fuglsang Østergaard

Anastasija Timoseva

What our participants say

Victor Lopes Mascarenhas

Frequently asked questions

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