By: Alireza Hejazi

The core concepts we grab during our scanning studies (Canton, 2006), identify several dozen trends that the futurists address as the most relevant to shaping the global future. There is reasonable –albeit not universal– agreement across the published work of the reviewed studies in the shape and direction of these trends. Analysis and cross-correlation shows that the trends could be grouped thematically into the fairly common sense minimum set of key drivers which we use as the skeleton framework on which to flesh out our scanning job. Using this driver pattern as a starting point, can help us identify and explore key trends that we think provide opportunities for our career and business.

Drivers Set:

1) Demographic Driver

2) Environmental Change Driver

3) Economics Driver

4) Science & Technology Driver

5) National and International Governance Driver

6) Perceptions, Beliefs, Values and Attitudes

The structure of this taxonomy can be used to direct our research and the compilation of both quantitative and qualitative data that anchors our process of envisioning the future. SmartMeme Strategy & Training Project titled: "The future of foresight" can be regarded as a concise version of Canton's book.  

References:

Canton, James (2006). The Extreme Future, New York: Dutton.

SmartMeme Strategy & Training Project (2006). The future of foresight, Retrieved from http://www.smartmeme.com