
Strategic foresight
How to plan for disruption in an uncertain future of work
Episode 85 | 26 May 2026
From pandemics to AI to geopolitical upheaval, disruption has become the new normal. But how can workers' and employers' organizations and governments move beyond simply reacting to shocks and start anticipating them? In this episode of the Future of Work podcast, host Justin Smith speaks with Rafael Peels, workers' activities specialist at the ILO, about strategic foresight – a methodology for navigating times of profound uncertainty and change.
Rafael explains how strategic foresight tools help organizations build the "mental muscle" to deal with complexity and disruption, and how AI can support the creative strategic thinking this requires. We also hear from trade union and employer representatives who took part in a recent ILO strategic foresight workshop, sharing why this approach matters for their members and how it helps them shape the future of work they want.
Find out more
- Using foresight to think and act upon an uncertain future world of work — ILO working paper
- Trade unions in transformation programme — ACTRAV, ILO
- Policy briefs on foresight and the world of work — UNDESA
- Futures, foresight and horizon scanning - Foresight strategies, tools and techniques to anticipate future scenarios — ITCILO course
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