Honours+ Workshop: Future Thinking

Seeing the Bigger Picture

We are entering an era shaped by accelerating technological innovation, ecological limits, demographic transitions and shifting geopolitical realities. These transformations demand more than technical expertise. They require systems thinkers, bridge builders and future designers, people capable of connecting knowledge across disciplines and translating complexity into meaningful action. The future is not a destination waiting to be discovered. It consists of countless possible futures, each shaped by the choices we make today. The challenge is therefore not to predict the future, but to imagine, evaluate and intentionally design preferable futures.

This interactive workshop introduces you to the principles of Future Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Complexity Thinking. Through an engaging masterclass and hands-on exercises, you'll explore the global megatrends shaping our future, uncover the drivers of change behind them, and discover how seemingly unrelated developments influence one another.

During the second part of the workshop, you'll put these concepts into practice. Working in interdisciplinary teams, you'll map trends and drivers of change, prioritise critical uncertainties using an Impact–Uncertainty Matrix, and explore four contrasting future archetypes. 

Rather than asking "What will the future look like?", you'll investigate multiple plausible futures and reflect on what each could mean for your own discipline, professional identity, and role in society. Finally, you'll challenge yourself to envision a Most Desired Future and discuss how interdisciplinary collaboration can help create more adaptive, resilient, and sustainable societies.
 

This workshop equips you with a new way of thinking. It creates a space where curiosity, dialogue and critical reflection become the starting point for understanding complexity. You will be encouraged to challenge assumptions, embrace uncertainty and co-create knowledge across disciplinary boundaries.  You'll move beyond understanding complexity to actively applying Future Thinking, developing both the mindset and practical tools needed to navigate uncertainty and contribute meaningfully to complex societal challenges.

✅ Understand the principles of Future Thinking, Systems Thinking, and Complexity Thinking

✅ Explore global megatrends, drivers of change, and the interconnected nature of complex systems

✅ Learn why wicked problems require interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration

✅ Apply practical foresight tools, including the Impact–Uncertainty Matrix, to analyse uncertainty and explore multiple future scenarios

✅ Reflect on how different futures may shape your discipline, professional identity, and societal role

✅ Develop the mindset and practical tools to navigate uncertainty and contribute to more resilient and desirable futures

The future isn't something we simply predict. It's something we actively shape. If the future depends on the choices we make today, how do we prepare ourselves to become the people capable of designing it?

Arie is a thinker, researcher and connector who approaches complex challenges through the interplay between ecology, technology and society. He views climate change, biodiversity loss, technological acceleration and societal fragmentation not as separate issues, but as interconnected elements of a single, coherent system.

With a background in ecology, biophysics and philosophy, he combines scientific depth with a broad societal perspective. Throughout his career, he has worked as a consultant, lecturer and researcher for governments, universities and advisory organisations, focusing among others on environmental policy, sustainability, systemic challenges and long-term transitions.

A defining characteristic of Arie’s work is his ability to reveal connections between ecological boundaries, technological innovation, economic interests and social developments. He analyses risks without becoming fatalistic and focuses on identifying pathways for action, renewal and guiding choices.

Future thinking plays an important role in his approach: Arie explores possible futures, identifies early signals of change and translates uncertainty into strategic choices. When examining transitions, he looks beyond technological or policy solutions and also considers the underlying values, institutions and behavioural patterns that enable or hinder change.

His strengths lie in systems thinking, strategic vision development and interdisciplinary collaboration. He helps organisations interpret complex developments, explore future scenarios and make choices in an uncertain world. In doing so, he connects science, policy, innovation and societal reflection in service of a sustainable and resilient future.

Justin Brands believes that the most important asset of any organisation is its people. In his view, it is not systems, structures or strategies that make the biggest difference, but the people who bring them to life. Organisations that invest in developing talent and creating environments where people can thrive are better able to adapt, innovate and move forward.

As director at Creativity Pools, Justin develops and leads innovation programmes in which students, professionals and experienced experts work together on real-world challenges. He creates opportunities for people to share knowledge, learn from each other and turn ideas into practical solutions.

With a background in strategy, marketing, finance and human resource development, Justin understands how individual growth and organisational goals are connected. He has extensive experience coaching students and young professionals, helping them discover their strengths, make career choices and prepare for the future.

His approach combines analytical thinking with a strong focus on people and development. Justin looks beyond the surface, helps make challenges and opportunities visible, and supports teams in turning ideas into concrete actions. Through connecting different disciplines and perspectives, he helps create meaningful change in organisations and society.