Using Foresight to Support the Next strategic Programming Period of Horizon 2020 (2016-2018)

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Executive Summary Excerpt

This report is based on a study of foresight into the drivers of change and disrupters affecting the future of Europe and the strategic responses that the European Commission should consider in shaping the second strategic programme (2016-2018) of Horizon 2020. Importantly, the study was designed to use available foresight material. It is therefore focused on sense-making, rather than the generation of original intelligence.

Whilst the study cannot claim to be comprehensive, it nevertheless points out that foresight used in strategic planning offers insights, generates ideas and brings to the fore important cross-cutting domains. The use of foresight can help ensure that Horizon 2020 strengthens the competitiveness of Europe and enables it to respond to the significant current and future societal challenges.

From the analysis and expert consultations carried out during the project, 12 drivers of change and six disrupters have, individually and in combination, the potential to impact significantly the future of Europe and of its citizens.