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This paper introduces the Viable Systems Model and in particular the Meta System component of that model, as a framework within which to consider how foresight can be facilitated in organisations. Shows how the System 4 function within the meta system is in a position to facilitate processes that will produce effectiveness and the development of overall system identity. Also shows how adopting another framework for understanding the paradigms or worldviews that operate in organisations can enhance the likelihood that these processes will be successful.

The war in Iraq raises questions about the global world order and this article aims to suggest the need for us to awaken to fresh thinking on the problems facing the world.

A brief analysis of the global problematic is presented. Next, the article concentrates on some of the ways in which futurists can respond. The third section takes up the theme of what it means to “wake up” at the cultural level. Finally the paper considers some examples of “post‐conventional” futures work.

The article describes advanced forms of futures enquiry and action that are being developed to help people to engage in‐depth with the multiple crises that threaten the world and its nascent futures.

The article provides a basis for futurists and foresight practitioners to find the “levers of change”, the strategies, the enabling contexts and pathways to social foresight.

Provides a broad overview of the European Community′s activities in the field of civil and environmental emergencies, and within the context of current and recent political developments in Europe, projects the Commission′s future role in its response to ecological disasters. Stresses that the Community has a vital role to play, particularly in such areas as co‐ordination of response, training and the provision of expertise. The Community can provide an added value over and above the capacities of individual member states. Close co‐operation with competent authorities in member states is advocated.

Why is foresight research often unable to create foresight actions? This paper explores whether an individual’s psychological development could be a factor. It employs the work of Jane Loevinger as a basis for exploring this hypothesis. It also examines the findings of the Global Lookout Panel which identified the factors needed for successful implementation of futures research.

The purpose of this paper is to report on how foresight methods are being used to address a “wicked problem” for the global furniture industry: “What are we going to do in the furniture industry in high cost countries (HCC) to maintain our future competitiveness with respect to the competition coming from low cost countries?”

This study explores one sectorial initiative, CEFFOR® (Furniture Foresight Centre, headquarters in Valencia, Spain), that attempts to mitigate the negative impact of globalisation on the competitiveness of the furniture industry in HCCs, by creating a vision of a preferable future through the use of a set of qualitative foresight tools (structural analysis, morphological analysis/field anomaly relaxation, and cross impact analysis) involving a worldwide expert panel.

This paper examines the set‐up phase of the CEFFOR initiative, and describes the main elements of the morphological space developed to profile possible future configurations of the global furniture industry. Future papers will report on further model development and the subsequent take‐up of this work.

The approach used could be adapted to a variety of other industrial sectors. While this study examines a traditional industrial sector, there is no conceptual limitation on its use in other sectors, although such adaptation should clearly remain alert to the unique aspects of any industry.

The novelty of this initiative is the application of a normative foresight approach in a traditional industrial sector in order to generate a shared vision of a sustainable future, and to integrate this foresight approach with an existing business intelligence system.

The Australian Foresight Institute has brought out a collection of essays that provide a wonderful introduction into the realm of integral thinking as being brought into foresight and futures studies. They suggest a broader, more‐encompassing framework for understanding the future and providing context for what's going on today. Two essays explore foresight in everyday life and conclude that “foresight is something that can be improved with practice.” The second entry looks at how two leading practitioners, Richard Slaughter and Sohail Inayatullah, are applying critical thinking to foresight and challenging the taken‐for‐granted and probing for hidden assumptions. The third brings integral thinking to critique national science and technology foresight exercises. The final entry is a collection of three papers on the topic of “Reframing environmental scanning” that makes the case for a new approach and then lays out early progress in that direction.

The purpose of this paper is to give an introductory overview of the special issue of On the Horizon (OTH) on responses to the author's book, The Biggest Wake‐up Call in History (BWCH).

The author does not comment on all the contributions to this special issue, but summarises his view of some of the most valuable suggestions for further work that have been put forward.

The author's view is that, overall, these contributions to the special issue of OTH more than fulfil the goal of commenting on and, in some cases, extending the core concerns of BWCH.

If the BWCH and the papers presented in this special issue can play even a small part in the process of waking up and taking responsibility then people can all breathe a little easier. People can look their kids in the eye and know that they know the present generation did what was required as well as it could.

Gates Learjet Corporation will soon begin a $7.2 million expansion of its customer service facilities to provide increased product support to owners of some 1,000 Learjets throughout the world.