Alternative Futures

Researchers worldwide are calling for immediate action to safeguard the well-being of future generations, underscored by international agreements. Yet, adopting a long-term perspective in organizational decision-making remains challenging. Recognizing the pivotal role future thinking plays in shaping both organizational strategies and societal development, we would like to contribute to the discourse on the role of future imaginaries in developing solution-oriented approaches to societal challenges by organizing this Idea Development Workshop “Alternative Futures”. Jointly sponsored by the Research Center on Grand Challenges and Enterprise for Society, our workshop will bring together global experts in future thinking, sustainability, and decision-making. We are particularly looking forward to the interventions by Ali Aslan Gümüşay (LMU Munich), Estefania Amer (University of Lausanne), Nicky Dries (KU Leuven), Alex Fergnani (Higher Colleges of Technology), Mark Healey (Alliance Manchester Business School), Quentin Ladetto (armasuisse), Ewa Lombard (Montpellier Business School), Anette Mikes (Oxford), Natalie Slawinski (Gustavson School of Business), Amanda Williams (IMD Lausanne).

Our objective is threefold: to facilitate discussions on recent advancements in alternative futures research, foster professional connections within the field, and provide feedback on participants' projects and working papers. The agenda spans two days: on the first day, we will have the chance to hear keynote talks on current trends and future directions in alternative futures research. Senior scholars and practitioners will share their insights and experiences in the field. The second day will feature roundtable sessions in small groups to help participants develop their working papers and project ideas and enable knowledge transfer.

Our workshop aims to build synergies with the EGOS Standing Working Group on Desirable Futures and to advance the research agenda for the next decade.