Universities Futures Lab - Podcast series Oracles and evidence
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Dec 5, 2024 
Toni Ahlqvist, a professor and research director at the University of Turku, shares his expertise in futures studies. He argues that universities must embrace futures thinking to enhance societal resilience and knowledge provision. Toni explains Delphi studies as a powerful tool for gathering expert opinions and achieving consensus. He also outlines practical strategies for integrating foresight into university planning, highlighting the importance of understanding context and employing diverse methods. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to shape their institution's future.
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From Research Assistant To Futures Professor
- Toni Ahlqvist discovered futures research as a master's research assistant and built a dual track in spatial planning and futures studies.
- That early Delphi-based work led to a long career including roles at VTT and professorships in futures research.
Universities As Active Societal Actors
- Universities are central knowledge providers and can build societal resilience through research and skilled graduates.
- Toni Ahlqvist argues universities should see themselves as proactive actors shaping their surroundings, not isolated ivory towers.
Use Delphi To Inform Strategy
- Use Delphi and literature scans to surface diverse expert views and provoke panelists into discussing utopian and dystopian scenarios.
- Feed those structured results into planning cycles so foresight informs yearly strategic decisions.