FUTURES LITERACY

Futures Literacy is the competence that enables people to better understand the role of the future in what they see and do and therefore to function with greater freedom and skill in this regard.

Literacy is no longer defined solely as the simple ability to read and write in a decontextualized manner. Its meaning has expanded to include the skills required for specific academic disciplines, trades and professions, the ability to understand and produce digital and non-digital texts that combine a range of modes of expression, and “general skills” needed in contemporary workplaces, such as collaboration, communication, creativity and problem solving. It can also be used to describe the acquisition of business skills, digital, innovation and the futures.

According to UNESCO (adapted) :

Futures Literacy is the competency that allows people to better understand the role of the future in what they see and do. In our complex world, the global challenges we face require more inclusive and agile approaches to policy design and decision-making. Rooted in the discipline of anticipation, Futures Literacy can improve our capacity to shape policies and systems that withstand shocks and create long-term resilience. Futures Literacy helps people understand why and how we use the future to prepare, plan, and interact with the complexity and novelty of our societies.

How it helps

Through a structured approach, organizations and individuals learn about how the origins of what they imagine and can empower them to diversify their actions.

Who benefits from literacy ?

Governments (federal and provincial), territories (regions, cities, towns and villages), in order to better adapt their development objectives and adopt policies that are adapted to the constraints and hopes that the future represents.

Educational institutions (universities, colleges and schools) in order to anticipate changes and above all in order to integrate the literacy of the future into their programs in order to not only better prepare generations to properly understand and above all influence the future, their future.

Territory/activity centered organizations (unions, associations, chambers of commerce). Organizations (for-profit or not, with closed or open capital).

Individuals in their personal capacity or as economic actors so that everyone takes ownership of their ability to understand and influence the future and in order to exercise their “prospective citizenship” (citizen’s duty regarding the future) with competence and vigilance.

Conclusion

Futures literacy enables individuals, governments, commercial (for profit or not) organizations and communities to better understand the role of the future in order to better anticipate risks and opportunities, better adapt to change and ultimately create a preferred future. It helps businesses innovate, governments develop adaptive policies, educators prepare students for unfamiliar careers, and individuals develop their ability to consider alternatives about the future. For regions and localities, it enables tailored responses to pressing challenges, sustainable development, and community co-creation. Combined with an antifragility mindset, futures literacy transforms uncertainty into opportunity, ensuring that systems thrive under pressure while building a brighter, better future.