In this work group, we will develop new learning arenas in AFINO by using future literacy laboratories as tools and methods in the research projects and in selected Nordic cases on sustainability (see other work group). In such labs, the participants collaborate on developing scenarios of alternative futures. These scenarios will identify important challenges, possibilities, drives and critical junctions that may affect innovation, market developments and policy-choices in the future. Participants will be asked to handle unexpected changes and challenges, helping them to question given “truths” and ways of thinking.

We will also arrange national future laboratories, exploring the use of responsible research and innovation and research and innovation policy in the transformation of Norwegian economy and society. The special role of oil and gas in Norwegian economy when facing climate change and the development of clean energy production, will be one of many factors that needs to be considered.

We will coordinate these exercises with a method developed in and around the UNESCO network for the discipline of anticipation, i.e. foresight workshops referred to as future literacy laboratories. This method is developed within a broader understanding of the use of the future for transformative change. The methodology has been used to help companies, institutions and policy makers prepare for the future in more than 30 countries worldwide. The UNESCO approach is aimed at developing a future literacy among stakeholders, integrating capacities for anticipation, reflexivity and inclusion in the development of projects, programs, institutions and policies.

The activities will generate scientific contributions as well as policy briefs on the scenarios, challenges and opportunities identified in the future literacy workshops. Our results will also be disseminated to other media such as the magazine Forskningspolitikk.