Exploring the “collective forward intelligence” potential: the Foresight 3.0 programme at the Mind-Lab

Purpose This paper aims to set out the Foresight 3.0 framework, review the Mind-Lab programmes and projects and draw some general insights. Design/methodology/approach A next generation “Foresight 3.0” aims to promote “collective forward intelligence”, both within the foresight team and with external stakeholders. The question is then how to realize this in a complex, fast-changing world: this is the aim of the Mind-Lab (a.k.a. “Laboratory for Collective Intelligence”), with a range of projects in five thematic programmes (2015–2024). Findings The case study review shows that (a) the Foresight 3.0 approach can make real contributions in parallel with other modes; (b) there are huge gaps between aspiration and reality; and (c) a key priority is to plan and resource time for capacity building for the “collective forward intelligence”. Research limitations/implications The Mind-Lab is a “living laboratory” action research programme, responding to the needs of projects and sponsors, and so the case studies are not easily replicable. Practical implications Each of the case study projects aims for a level of transformation (e.g. on climate change policy, circular economies or bio-regional planning), and a key contribution of Foresight 3.0 is for structured mapping and design of the pathways towards such transformation. Social implications The Foresight 3.0 approach works with a wider community of interest and deeper layers of value and so aims to use participatory engagement methods, creative media channels and open deliberation processes wherever possible. Originality/value Overall, this paper appears to be unique and original and has great potential value in the realm of strategic planning, future studies, risk analysis, transformative research and policy.