I commonly hear the question, "what is a futurist?". In this blog post, we'll dive into what a futurist is, the types of futurists including consumer futurists - and where to find them.
So what is a Futurist?
A futurist is someone who looks at the future with an eye towards innovation and change. They observe and analyze data, science, art and technology to predict future trends and events. Futurists are often called “visionaries” because they see things that others don't or can't. They have an ability to look at the world around them and identify patterns that others might miss; patterns beyond the status quo. With a pulse on the evolution of humans, future technology and an uncanny ability to conduct trend analysis, Futurists are needed more than ever in today's dynamic world. Given our current trajectory, one might argue they are the most important profession of the 21st century.
Professional Futurists, or those that have spent years honing their craft, help organizations peer into a crystal ball and prepare for the future by looking at trends across a variety of industries and modalities.
Their insights can be helpful to businesses and organizations in the following ways:
Strategic Planning and Long-Range Planning: a futurist's insight can help to inform and strengthen your strategic plan
Business Development: a futurists's insight can inform how to optimally grow your business, which markets or customer segments to pursue, and how to fuel your pipeline
Innovation: a futurist’s insight can unearth new problem spaces and opportunities to help inform your innovation road map
Risks: a futurists’s insight can help to identify macro forces, tech trends and economic forces that will impact your brand
Sustainable Futures: a futurist’s insight can help you plan for a more sustainable and desirable future, paving the way future generations
Types of Futurists
Futurists come from all walks of life. Generally speaking, there are two types:
1) Entpreneur-ists – Those who use their foresight and skills to create new products and services that will solve a problem now and into the future. They may be engineers, developers, data scientists or other technologists.
2) Strategists – Those who use their business acumen to think about the impact of emerging trends and current trends on businesses and brands.
Another way to slice the universe of futurists is by focus area or niche. From science to education to technology to economics to consumer behaviour, almost any niche you can think of is likely to have a Futurist(s) who focuses on it.
Curious to know more about how to become a futurist? Check out this article for more.
What is a Consumer Futurist?
A consumer futurist is someone who studies the future of consumerism, including the future of retail. They look at trends, future developments and market data related to cultural shifts, consumer shifts and competitive shifts. How are the behaviours, attitudes and values of consumers changing? How are consumer shopping habits changing? How is retail morphing? All are important questions to consider as a business or brand. Consumer futurists deliver these insights to businesses, organizations and brands via a variety of formats - bespoke consulting, futurist keynotes and workshop sessions, whitepapers and blogs, media, etc. - all with the goal of helping the organization craft a playbook that will serve their future consumer and drive growth.
What Qualifies Someone to be a Futurist?
A futurist typically possesses a combination of skills and expertise in areas like strategic planning, trend analysis, and systems thinking. While there is no single path, many futurists have backgrounds in disciplines such as sociology, technology, business, or creative arts. Certifications or degrees in futures studies or foresight can also help formalize their expertise. Ultimately, being a futurist requires the ability to think critically, creatively, and expansively about possibilities beyond the present.
What Does a Futurist Do?
So, what does a Futurist do? A futurist analyzes current trends, emerging technologies, and cultural shifts to anticipate future developments. They provide organizations with insights and strategies to navigate uncertainty, identify opportunities, and mitigate risks. This often involves strategic planning, scenario development, and innovation road mapping. Futurists work across industries, offering their expertise through consulting, keynotes, workshops, and thought leadership to help businesses prepare for what's next.
Where to Find Futurists
Some organizations have in-house or corporate futurists while others hire external Futurists as consultants, keynote speakers or advisors. You can find a list of some of the most prominent corporate futurists here. Looking to work with a Futurist? Contact Lindsay here!
Looking for Foresight training for yourself or your team? Enroll in our training program here.
Read more on the Top Female Futurists, Top 30 Global Futurists, what a futurist is, how to become a futurist, the top futurists, best futuristic courses, certified futurists, futurist certification, strategic thinking, futurology, futurist jobs and on strategic foresight.
FAQ
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Given the diversity in the futurist/foresight community, these experts exhibit a range of expertise and interests. Check them out here!
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See this article.
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See our Top Futurists list here.
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The role of Futurists varies. Futurists can help shape long-term plans related to your business or organization. A futurist can assist with long-term planning by analyzing tech trends, identifying potential future scenarios, and providing strategic insights not just in the workplace, but in everyday life. They use data and foresight to help individuals and organizations make informed decisions, anticipate changes in their respective fields and craft alternative futures.
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Yes, you can attend or acquire a certificate or credentials in Future Studies. There are a wide range of Future Studies educational programs related to the field. Interested in becoming a foresight practitioner or in building a Futurist Consulting business? Access our exclusive new training opportunity here.
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A wide variety of backgrounds can lead to futures studies - from Science to technology, to creative thinking fields, to cultural anthropology, to strategy and strategic planning. Because there are many tracks or niche specialties in the field of futurology, a variety of backgrounds can support your career path to becoming a futurist.
Check out our post here for an in depth answer to this. Or learn how you can enroll in our brand new training program here.
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To avoid "future shock" and to be able to navigate wild card events, it's essential for foresight professionals to develop creative thinking, strategic thinking, and proactive thinking—the magic treo. As foresight practitioners or even someone at the beginner level, combining these three lenses is crucial and will allow you to form integrative visions for yourself, team, or organization. Having deep expertise in the strategic planning process is also necessary. Futurism can be handy not just in work but in every aspect of life, as well.
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A wide variety of backgrounds can lend themselves to futures studies - from Science to technology, to creative thinking fields, to cultural anthropology, to strategy and strategic planning. Because there are many tracks or niche specialties in the field of futurology, a variety of backgrounds can support your career path. If you're looking to start-up your own Futurist consulting practice, learn more about our brand new training program here.
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Artificial intelligence is a critical component in futurism, helping to analyze vast amounts of data and predict future trends. Predictive futurists often rely on AI to forecast scenarios and understand the potential impact of technology on various sectors.
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Many futurists are inspired by the works of science fiction writers like William Gibson and Arthur C. Clarke. These authors explore themes that often become reality, offering a creative lens through which futurists can envision the future. Their imaginative works help shape the futurist movement and provide insights into advanced technology and future development. See a list of top futurists and top female futurists.
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Futurists can be categorized into several types:
Predictive futurists focus on forecasting and trend analysis.
Critical futurists challenge existing assumptions and explore alternative futures.
Imaginative futurists use creative thinking to envision bold, new possibilities.
Each type of futurist brings a unique perspective, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of current times and future scenarios.
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The future of healthcare is a significant area of interest for futurists. By examining current trends and advancements in healthcare technology, futurists help shape strategies for improving health outcomes. The integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare can lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans, enhancing the overall quality of care.
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Collective intelligence refers to the shared knowledge and insights generated by a group. In futurism, harnessing collective intelligence is crucial for understanding complex issues and developing innovative solutions. This approach allows futurists to tap into diverse perspectives, fostering a more broad understanding of potential futures.
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Critical thinking is essential for futurists to analyze trends, challenge assumptions, and develop strategic insights. By applying critical thinking skills, futurists can navigate uncertainties and craft well-informed visions for the future. This process is vital for addressing the challenges and opportunities of modern life and ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future.
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Understanding human history, including significant events like the 20th century and the civil rights movement, provides valuable context for futurists. By studying past trends and their impacts, futurists can better anticipate future developments and make informed predictions. This historical perspective helps ensure that future strategies are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of societal evolution.
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Silicon Valley is a hub of innovation and technological advancement, making it a focal point for technology futurists. The region's pioneering work in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies provides valuable insights into the future of various industries. Futurists often look to Silicon Valley as a model for understanding the impact of technology and driving future developments.
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The future of education is a key area of focus for futurists. By analyzing current trends and exploring new educational models, futurists aim to create learning environments that prepare individuals for a rapidly changing world. The integration of advanced technology and innovative teaching methods is essential for fostering a future-ready education system.
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Influential futurists in literature include science fiction writers like William Gibson and Arthur C. Clarke. Their visionary works explore themes of artificial intelligence, space exploration, and the evolution of human society, offering valuable insights for futurists. These authors' imaginative perspectives help shape the discourse around future possibilities and inspire new generations of futurists.
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Corporate futurists specialize in applying foresight to organizational and business contexts. They focus on crafting desired futures and scenario planning to help companies anticipate and adapt to future trends. In a government context, these professionals often collaborate with policy analysts and public policy experts to address the broader societal impacts of corporate strategies, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and ethical considerations. By blending strategic thinking with insights into emerging technologies and market shifts, corporate futurists play a pivotal role in guiding businesses toward sustainable and innovative futures.
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Scenario planning is a critical tool in the futurist's arsenal, particularly for professional futurists working with organizations that seek to navigate uncertainty. This method involves creating detailed narratives about possible futures, enabling leaders to test strategies against diverse potential outcomes. Whether tackling public policy challenges or corporate disruptions, scenario planning equips businesses and governments alike with the agility to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
About the Author
Lindsay Angelo is the founder of Futurist-in-50-days, supporting impact-driven professionals, teams and organizations in learning to think and lead into the future. She's also a practicing and award-winning Futurist, Strategy consultant, MBA and TEDx speaker. She's advised Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, think tanks, and celebrities - all the while creating a nomadic lifestyle rooted in travel, family and community. Named a Woman to Watch and Global Innovation Leader, Lindsay's delivered over 100+ keynotes and has worked with organizations including lululemon, Unilever, the LEGO Group, Snapchat and the Human Potential Institute. Her experiences culminate in what she refers to as her sweet spot - where strategy, innovation and foresight intersect, where the rational meets the emotive, where facts meet insights and where logic meets creativity.
