In futures studies, especially in Europe, the term "foresight" has become common as of 2005, embracing activities of critical thinking concerning long-term developments, debate and effort to create wider participation in decisions, shaping the future, especially by influencing public policy and strategic decisions (European Commission Foresight Website 2005; FOREN project; FORERA [1]). It is used for strategic activities in the public as well as the private sector, and underlines the need to link any future-oriented activity or project to action today in order to make an impact (“shaping the future”).
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