ITU Acceleration Centers

No specific qualifications required; open to ITU Acceleration Centers provided that they have finished Strategic Foresight 101 and have signed the Cooperation Agreement. 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Describe the advanced strategic foresight principles to effectively anticipate and adapt to technological, policy, and innovation shifts. 
• Conduct strategic foresight exercises on topics critical to their interests, organizations, or countries, utilizing advanced methodologies and frameworks. 
• Utilize strategic foresight tools to enhance decision-making processes and propel innovation within their ecosystems. 
• Investigate and analyze real-world case studies and best practices to ignite innovative thinking and cultivate positive impacts within diverse ecosystems.

The course is led by an instructor and includes knowledge checks, quiz at the end of each module, case studies, hands-on exercises, self-study materials, interactive online collaboration resources (e.g. MIRO board), reflective practice, and a capstone project (end-course assignment). The instructor will lead the course through a live Q&A webinar  . The case study assignments and the final capstone project will be graded by the instructors. The coordinator will provide support to participants ensuring assignments are submitted on time.

The assessment and grading process in this course will involve knowledge checks,  (completion of assignments and quizzes in each module), along with a final quiz at the course's conclusion. Additionally, forum participation is mandatory and will be evaluated. The assessments   in each module play a crucial role in gauging the participants' overall comprehension of the course content and their progression towards meeting the learning objectives. 
The knowledge checks within each module do not limit attempts; however, participants will have up to two attempts for the final quizzes at the end of each module and for the final quiz at the end of the course.   To receive the ITU digital certificate a total score exceeding 70%  is necessary along with timely submission of their assignments related to case studies.

The final grading will be calculated as follows:
Final quiz at the end of the course    5%
Discussions forums    10%
End module assignments    35% 
End-course assignment (capstone project)    50%
 
 

Module 0 Foundational Concepts of Strategic Foresight 

Key learning points

Participants will be able to:

• Gain familiarity with the Playbook and its utility in strategic foresight exercises.
• Define 'Playbook' and detail the key terminologies relevant to strategic foresight.
• Explore the contextual relevance of strategic foresight within the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development.
• Explain the strategic objectives of the Alliance and how they align with trends research readiness.  

Training activities details  

• Kick-Off Webinar
• Consolidating Your Learnings (Summary): This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.

Module 1 Background and Theory 

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Determine the scope of the problem and the need for new approaches in strategic foresight.
• List the key concepts of the ITU Innovation framework and its role in cultivating ecosystems for a sustainable digital future
• Utilize the theoretical foundation of futures thinking and strategic foresight practices.
• Make informed decision-making by learning the significance of futures thinking in guiding innovation and growth.

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far. 
• Try It Exercises: knowledge checks
• End of Module Quiz Activity

Module 2 Step-by-Step Guide to Strategic Foresight 

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• List the key terminologies associated with the strategic foresight workflow. 
• Describe the sequential stages involved in conducting a strategic foresight exercise. 
• Distinguish between the various play areas, elucidating their purposes and interdependence within the strategic foresight journey. 

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises: knowledge checks
• End of Module Quiz Activity
• Live Q&A

Module 3 Play Area 0: Considerations before we play
Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Demonstrate proficiency in project management and documentation practices relevant to strategic foresight exercises. 
• Identify and engage key stakeholders for a collaborative and co-creative approach to conduct a foresight study. 
• Utilise digital collaboration platforms for brainstorming, capturing ideas, and working together in real time. 

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises: Knowledge checks
• End of Module Quiz Activity

Module 4 Play Area 1: Framing and Scanning

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Define the concepts of framing and scanning in the context of strategic foresight. 
• Identify the key components of macro and micro environmental scanning. 
• Use various methods and tools for conducting effective scanning exercises.  

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises: self-reflection activity & knowledge checks
• End of Module Quiz Activity
• Assignments: Once participants have submitted their assignments, they will have access to next module 
• Forum Participation

Module 5 Play Area 2: Mapping

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Define the concepts of mapping in the context of strategic foresight.  
• Apply various methods and tools for mapping the drivers and trends for a foresight exercise. 
• Explore ways to visualize the spectrum of uncertainty for any driver of change.  

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises: knowledge checks 
• End of Module Quiz Activity
• Assignments: Once participants have submitted their assignments, they will have access to next module 
• Forum Participation

Module 6 Play Area 3: Visioning 

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Describe how drivers can interact with each other to create different possible future scenarios. 
• Apply various methods and techniques for envisioning future scenarios and analyzing their implications. 
• Analyze future scenarios to prioritize the desired scenario and the narrative for it. 

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises: self-reflection activity and knowledge checks
• End of Module Quiz Activity
• Assignments: Once participants have submitted their assignments, they will have access to next module
• Forum Participation

Module 7 Play Area 4: Transforming 

Key learning points

Participants will be able to

• Support desired scenarios with strategic action plans.  
• Analyze stakeholders to engage with in the journey towards the desired scenario. 
• Utilize various methods and tools for developing strategic actions plans to support the journey towards the desired scenario or away from the undesirable scenario. 

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises:  Knowledge checks 
• End of Module Quiz Activity
• Assignments: Once participants have submitted their assignments, they will have access to next module
• Forum Participation

Module 8 Play Area 5: Managing 

Key learning points

• Develop robust governance model to outline and oversee the implementation of actionable plans. 
• Apply techniques for formulating an efficient communication strategy to disseminate foresight-derived strategies to stakeholders and execution champions. 
•  Gain insights into fostering collaborative, meaningful and impactful alliances essential for executing the envisioned action plan effectively. 

Training activities details

• Consolidating Your Learnings: This will present a brief summary of all the information that has been learnt so far.
• Try It Exercises: Knowledge Checks
• End of Module Quiz Activity
• Assignments: Once participants have submitted their assignments, they will have access to next module 
• Forum Participation 
• Closing Session With Q&A

Capstone Project 

• Participants are required to finish and submit their capstone project