Verne Wheelwright (2010), who is well-known for his contribution to "personal futures", believes that the seventh wave of Futures Studies (FS) is on the way. It is not big yet, but growing.

This is the wave that is bringing knowledge and understanding of futures concepts, tools and methods to individuals, the general public. This wave is beginning to bring futures methods into schools at all levels, from primary grades through secondary schools and on into undergraduate classes in colleges and universities.

Graduate courses will be professional training, while undergraduate courses in Futures Studies will be considered part of the individual's education, often an elective. Futures concepts and methods will be into public school systems and become practical functions of higher schools students.

Wheelwright maintains: "Futurists would probably find an increasing demand for their services, whether consulting, speaking, writing or teaching." Consulting and business futurists would probably benefit from a clientele that is more aware of futures concepts and better educated in futures methods and how they can be used most effectively.

Could you imagine other probable consequences of this wave and share them with me? They are really important for the future of our profession as the futurists. Thank you.

Reference:

Wheelwrigh, Verne (2010). The Next Wave. Journal of Futures Studies, 14, 4, pp. 107 – 114.