Embracing foresight in migration policy: a transformative journey toward Anticipatory Governance in North Macedonia

Abstract Embracing the potential of foresight in migration policy, North Macedonia has embarked on a ground-breaking journey to institutionalize anticipatory governance through extensive capacity-building activities, imparting foresight methods to stakeholders responsible for shaping migration policies. This research provides a comprehensive overview, detailing the initiative’s origins, alignment with the Resolution on Migration Policy 2021–2025, and the accompanying Action Plan. The study assesses the impact and potential of the Anticipatory Governance in Migration in North Macedonia when fully integrated with the action plan, which focuses on data-based management that oversees the migration policy resolution and the migration policy milieu. Through a comprehensive analysis of the foresight interventions, training programs, and stakeholder engagements, this study unveils the potential impact of forward-looking planning on North Macedonia’s migration policy landscape. The conclusion and recommendations have broader significance, extending beyond North Macedonia to serve as a model for other countries confronting migration challenges in our rapidly changing world.