The Accreditation of
Futures Studies
- Outline of a Project -
A
discussion on our listserve spring 2018 led to a project within the WFSF about creating accredi-
tation standards for foresight programmes at university level. This article presents some of the
findings and recommendations. The aim is to discuss these topics at our XXIII WFSF World Confer-
ence in Mexico City in September and concretise some pilots following up the ideas from the work-
group (1). Additional thoughts and material will be presented at the conference.
Background
Since its foundation in 1973, The World Futures Studies Federation (WFSF) has promoted the devel-
opment of futures studies as an academic discipline (2). Since its origin, outstanding scholars have
stepped forward to lead it, such as Bertrand de Jouvenel (France), Johan Galtung (Norway), Eleonora
Masini (Italy), and Pentti Malaska (Finland). Each have shaped the field of futures studies in distinct
ways. In the last years, we also are witnessing an increased need for higher educational institutions
(HEI) to challenge their conventional educational schemes, where futures orientation and futures
research also has come on the agenda. The federation should play a role in this development.
Beyond offering membership to individuals and institutions over the years, the executive board of the
federation has considered how foresight programmes in higher education might be further strength-
ened through an external quality assurance process. In 2018, the Federation commissioned a working
group to investigate standards for quality assurance in teaching and learning across borders and
stakeholders from various regions.
The working group reported that no entity exists at the tertiary level to recognize, evaluate and ac-
credit foresight education programmes. Given the history and reputation of the Federation in futures
research, the working group recommended that the WFSF undertakes the unique function to establish
accreditation standards to provide the public information on the relative quality of foresight education
programmes, related to student achievement and institutional performance.
by Dr. Erik F. Øverland and Jay Gary
In 2018, the federation established a set of standards and guidelines for quality assurance in higher
education. These accreditation standards deal with the mission, faculty, curriculum, instruction, stu-
dents, and resources that undergird foresight degrees offered by universities, colleges and schools.
Those universities offering programmes which meet the minimum standards outlined by the board
are afforded recognition by the WFSF as offering an Accredited Foresight Program.
1 The Work Group was headed by Jay Gary. Else, Jordi Serra del Pino, Peter Bishop and Erik F. Øverland have contributed.
2 The Constitution of the World Futures Studies Federation (chartered in 1973, and last amended in 2009 states in 1.1:
The main objective of the Federation is to introduce futures-oriented thinking in all branches of knowledge and action;
promote futures studies in general, and in particular encourage, innovative, interdependent and critical thinking across all
disciplines, cultures and people; and promote networking between individuals and organisations concerned with futures.
50 HF |
April 2019
HF | Human Futures 51