On the 29th of April, the FUTURES team from the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute for Sustainable Technologies (Ł-ITEE) and Białystok University of Technology (BUT) conducted an internal three-hour disseminating event of the project for representatives of the HR Platform of institutes from the Łukasiewicz Research Network. It is the third-largest research network in Europe, associating 32 institutes, employing over 8,000 people. The HR Platform comprises all institutes’ representatives, employees responsible for human resources management and training.
The objective of the meeting was to familiarise members of the HR Platform with the international project entitled “FUTURES – Future laboratories for professional and personal development” aimed at developing tools using foresight and Futures Literacy methods for professional and personal development in the situation of unpredictable labour market.
The agenda comprised presentations:
- Foresight as a tool supporting the development of individuals and organisations.
- Practical aspects of using the scenario method for the needs of foresight research.
- Methodology and results of a pilot workshop organised within FUTURES project by Ł-ITEE, meant among others for Early Stage Researchers in the Łukasiewicz Research Network.
and discussion and submission of ideas by the members of the HR Platform regarding the recommended directions of improving the workshop methodology and modification of Design Principles
Most of the participants did not have any knowledge regarding foresight before the meeting, therefore, introducing them to this topic was the first challenge. The topic aroused their interest so much that they were actively engaged in the event, shared their insights and comments. They were interested in learning more about future anticipation and Futures Literacy, as well as using the presented methods in the course of their training activity. It is planned that the final product of FUTURES project (on-line course) will be used for professional development by the Łukasiewicz Research Network employees.
Within the discussion part, the participants were asked to comment and evaluate – on a scale of 1-5 – the individual Design Principles in terms of the importance of their application when conducting workshops. The results are as follows:
- Experiental and immersive elements – 91 /95 points
- The importance of the role of the facilitator – 88 / 95 points
- Collective and action learning – 82 / 95 points
• Critical reflection – 81 / 95 points
• The importance of a safe environment – 81 / 95 points - Fostering anticipation for the future and anticipation for the emergence – 75 / 95 points
- Active participation – 70 / 95 points
Focus group on Design Principles Report
