Given the extent of disruptive social change already prevalent before Covid-19, the author argues that there is an important rule for Strategic Foresight as ‘a systematic, intelligence gathering, vision building process that helps us manage uncertainty by discerning plausible alternative futures and applying the insights to present-day planning.’ Futures can be classified as possible, plausible, probable and preferable, while there are many benefits to the Strategic Foresight process in developing scenarios with corresponding policy options. The author draws on his own extensive experience of issues relating to food security, migration and health. He then considers potential scenarios for the post- pandemic world, ranging from and the Long Goodbye to Inclusive Abundance. One key issue is multiple scales and self-organisation, relating to top-down and bottom-up, centralisation with local initiatives, as plans do not always run smoothly, and we need to be flexible and resilient both locally and globally. [email protected] He has asked for us to go easy on the packaging "You do use a lot of packaging for the last 2 books which has lit 3 fires! Surely a jiffy bag is enough?" ~ David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer

"The COVID-19 crisis has accentuated the need for public and private organizations to embrace a futurist mindset in a period of increasing uncertainty and transformational change. Learning from Tomorrow clearly explains how strategic foresight can help you forge resilient plans and strategies capable of managing alternative plausible futures in a post-pandemic world." ~ Anne Kabagambe, former Executive Director, World Bank Group, Email

“Learning from Tomorrow does an exceptional job of demystifying strategic foresight and making it approachable both for people new to foresight and to existing practitioners. The book is well researched with a tight narrative, and I’ll definitely be buying some copies to help spread the importance of foresight in government through my organization.” ~ Bhreigh Gillis, Design Strategist, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario, Email

“This book provides an accessible entry to the practice of strategic foresight. Key concepts are explained and the book provides examples of how some of the key tools in the foresight toolkit have been applied across the world, both in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and prior. The many scenarios surveyed shows how useful foresight is in this period of uncertainty - and how open the future is. The book should inspire readers to explore the practice of strategic foresight further and provides us with many avenues to do so”. ~ Siv Helen Hesjedal, Chief Knowledge and Operations Officer, Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (South Africa) , Email

“Science tells us that anthropogenic threats to the environment and biodiversity are increasing and have serious – and in some cases irreversible - implications for the wellbeing of people, nature and the planet. Strategic foresight can help us assess how trends are evolving, enabling us to take action now to prepare for a wide range of future scenarios. Learning from Tomorrow strengthens our capacity to plan wisely and effectively. Every environmental leader should make this a ‘must read’ for 2021.” ~ Scott Edwards, Executive Director, Conservation Strategy Fund, Email

“Navigating the complexity of social transformation under emerging threats such as climate change is challenging for today’s governments and systems. Learning from Tomorrow offers a timely and highly relevant contribution to foresight and anticipatory governance by demonstrating how foresight facilitates robust, long-term planning in the midst of uncertainty. This is certainly a book that will change the way you think tomorrow, and unlock a new thinking of today.” ~ Dr. Rathana Peou Norbert-Munns, Scenarios Coordinator, CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security , Email

“Even though foresight has become a modern buzzword, it is veiled in mystery to many. Bart Édes fills this concept with life and convincingly shows why it should become an essential element of policy work and in other contexts. Learning from Tomorrow is essential reading for everyone who is interested in foresight and, even more, in its practical application. ~ Marek Prityi, Chief State Advisor, Ministry of Environment, Slovak Republic, Email