On 11 February 2025, in the stunning setting of Villa Fabris in Thiene (Vicenza), the training session “Shaping the Future for More Resilient Communities” took place. Organised by ALDA – European Association for Local Democracy as part of the FOSTER – Future Oriented Solutions Toward Environmental Resilience project, funded by the CERV programme, the event brought together public administrators, municipal technicians, and civil society representatives. The aim was to deepen understanding of strategic foresight, a methodology that helps anticipate future scenarios and develop innovative policies for more sustainable and resilient communities.
A Day of Training and Experimentation
Following the institutional greetings from Pierluigi Brombo (European Economic and Social Committee) and Nadia Di Iulio (ALDA, FOSTER project coordinator), the event delved into an in-depth discussion led by Brombo on the role of foresight in European policymaking. He emphasised that foresight is not a prediction but a discipline that allows us to explore and shape the future, leveraging collective intelligence to anticipate developments and better prepare for changes. He also highlighted the importance of participatory foresight, which enables the early detection of weak signals and integrates diverse perspectives into decision-making processes.
Trainer Nicoletta Boldrini, an expert in Futures & Foresight, introduced participants to key methodologies in the field, stressing the difference between forecasting and foresight: the former relies on predictions and data, while the latter explores various possible scenarios to inform strategic decision-making. She also presented the VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) framework and the BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible) model to illustrate today’s uncertainty and how foresight can help navigate it.
Participants then engaged in an immersive workshop on the Futurising Process, testing practical tools to analyse emerging trends and construct future scenarios. These exercises provided opportunities to address various local development topics and identify weak signals of ongoing transformations. It was emphasised that the future emerges in the present, often at the micro level, and that having a flexible and adaptable strategy is crucial.
Inclusion and gender mainstreaming in strategic foresight were the focus of the final intervention by Camilla Vedovato (ALDA), who stressed the importance of ensuring an equitable and accessible approach for all. The session also explored the need for positive and inclusive communication, fostering community-wide engagement in strategic decision-making and making foresight a truly democratic tool.
The event concluded with a networking aperitif, providing participants with an opportunity to share experiences and build new connections. This training is part of a broader capacity building and community empowerment initiative led by ALDA across nine European countries through the FOSTER project.
📩 For more information, contact nadia@alda-europe.eu
🔗 Learn more about ALDA and upcoming training sessions: www.alda-europe.eu
