Futures thinking is a strategic method that collaboratively explores various future scenarios without trying to predict them. It draws from stakeholders' expertise to understand the past and present to envision potential futures. This contrasts with conventional business strategies that forecast based on specific goals. While strategic foresight, rooted in mid-20th-century U.S. defence research, is acknowledged by institutions like the United Nations as an essential competency of the 21st century.

Just like how the design thinking has democratised creative strategy, and futures thinking is a blend of foresight and these innovative techniques that is affordable by smaller organisations often lack the resources to adopt more traditional approaches.

Studies show that organisations that are more future prepared outperform those that are not, and there is evidence that lack of foresight also reduces a firm's ability to adapt their products and services to changing markets or needs. So, without the ability to anticipate and strategically respond to future trends and disruptions, organisations risk becoming obsolete, losing competitive edge, and struggling to meet stakeholder expectations.

On a personal level, individuals without strong futures thinking skills may struggle to adapt to unforeseen shifts in their careers and personal lives. Such limitations can hinder professional growth, reduce adaptability in dynamic job markets, and limit one's potential to seize new opportunities. Furthermore, without the capacity to envision and prepare for possible future scenarios, individuals may face increased uncertainty and stress, diminishing overall life satisfaction.