The newspaper Diena has published an interview with Professor Daunis Auers, Chair of the Board of the LaSER think tank, and Zane Driņķe, Member of the LaSER Council and Rector of Turība University, on the foresight method and its importance for national development and strategic planning.
Foresight is a scientific approach used by governments and large organisations around the world to develop future scenarios and support research-based decision-making. The method helps overcome short-term thinking and supports the development of policies that can withstand long-term change. Latvia currently lacks this type of systematic planning, making initiatives such as the LaSER think tank and the annual Foresight Afternoon organised by Zane Driņķe an important contribution to shaping the country’s long-term vision.
The foresight method is one of the core elements of the LaSER think tank’s work. This approach was introduced through the development of its first report, Latvia 2040: Four Future Scenarios, which outlines possible directions for Latvia’s development over the coming decades. The report laid the foundation for further discussions on foresight and the introduction of strategic planning practices in Latvia.
The full report, Latvia 2040: Four Future Scenarios, can be accessed and downloaded here.
The full interview published in Diena can be accessed here.
Photo: Turība University