Futures studies

noun phrase

Definition: An interdisciplinary field concerned with the systematic study of possible, probable, and preferable futures and with the concepts and methods used to explore alternative future developments [Schlagwein et al. 2024].

Example in context: “Future studies, futures for short, is an interdisciplinary academic field concerned with studying possible futures.” [Niederman et al. 2024]

Synonyms: futures; futures research

Related terms: foresight; scenario planning; futures literacy; anticipatory governance