The SPCB has agreed to dissolve Scotland’s Futures Forum as a company and establish a new futures thinking service within the Scottish Parliament. This is about strengthening futures thinking in Parliament, not removing it. Read the full announcement: futuresforum.scot/update-on-sc...

New blog! Professor Jen Ross explores how knowledge institutions help create the conditions for democratic deliberation - and the growing pressure they face in this role. ➡️Read it here: substack.com/home/post/p-...

Last month we held an event exploring what a prevention first Scotland would look like for the nation's wellbeing. ➡️Read more about the event's key themes and discussions here: futuresforum.scot/event-recap-...

We’re now onto the final workshop, where attendees are being asked to work backwards from their desired 2050, identifying the actions needed in year 25, 5 and 1. What do you think the key priorities are?

In our first session with @innovationunit.bsky.social, participants are being asked to reflect on today’s central question: What would Scotland look like in 2050, if everyone had what they need when they need it?

Today we’re hosting an exciting event on the infrastructures of wellbeing and why preventative policy-making matters, in partnership with @SFT_Scotland, Innovation Unit and Social Impact Scotland. Follow along for live updates. #PublicPolicy #FuturesThinking

What does the future of food in Scotland look like? 🍽️ At the end of last year we held an event exploring the forces and uncertainties shaping Scotland's food future, as well as the opportunities for change. Read more here: futuresforum.scot/event-recap-...

New blog! What is foresight and why should Parliament's care? 📖 Read here: futuresforum.scot 📬Also on Substack: substack.com/@scotlandsfu... #FuturesThinking #LookingBeyond #Policy

New blog! Short Horizons: How Political Incentives Skew the Future Our latest blog examines the problem of short-termism in policy making and what can be done to strengthen long-term thinking. 📖 Read here: futuresforum.scot/short-horizo... 📬 Also on Substack! #FuturesThinking #LookingBeyond

New blog - Collapse: an introduction Our latest blog explores why human societies are at risk of collapse and what learnings we can use to navigate our present and work towards a kinder future. 📖Read the full blog: futuresforum.scot/collapse-an-... 📬Also available on Substack!

New Blog: Culture, Democracy and the Future 🩰 Our latest blog explores the relationship between culture and democracy in Scotland, looking towards the future of both. 📖 Read: futuresforum.scot/culture-demo... 📬 Also on Substack! #ArtsAndCulture #Culture #Democracy #FuturesThinking #LookingBeyond

🌿New Blog: Scottish Biodiversity Policy for the Future 🌿 Our latest blog explores biodiversity policy in Scotland and the future. This is part of our Looking Beyond series. 📖 Read here: futuresforum.scot/blog-scottis... 📬 Also on Substack! #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #Policy #LookingBeyond

Following the recent 7 Questions Workshop, hosted by Scotland's Futures Forum and The Goodison Group in Scotland, we’re excited to share these questions for wider discussion. How can education in Scotland evolve to meet the needs of learners, communities, and society in a rapidly changing world?

🎉 Celebrating 20 Years of Scotland’s Futures Forum! Exploring bold ideas for two decades. Looking to our shared horizon and asking "What’s next for Scotland?". 🌐Explore our reports and articles - futuresforum.scot/explore-our-... 🗣️ Be part of the conversation #ScotFutures20 #FutureThinking

This year we are celebrating 20 years of Scotland's Futures Forum 🎉 🏘️ Housing has been a popular topic in our work. As MSPs debate the Housing Bill in the chamber of the Scottish Parliament you can browse through our archives on our website futuresforum.scot/our-work-on-...

Should AI generated content have to link to the source of the information? Are those sources correct and reliable? and who decides? These questions explored at our "Vote Chatbot at the Ballot" event You can watch the full recording here youtu.be/4pMwevJnSVQ?... #AI #FestivalofPolitics #FOP25

🎥 Available now: “The Future of Health” from #FoP2025! From postcode predictions to policy solutions — this session dives deep into Scotland’s health inequalities and what we can do about them. 📺 Watch now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=33QN... #FestivalOfPolitics #ScotParl #PublicHealth

🔚 Wrapping up with a challenge from Dorling: “You can change things. But you have to be angry, and you have to be bothered” A call to action for policymakers, communities, and citizens alike. #FoP2025

🙋 Questions from the audience on statistical literacy, universal basic income, and climate change management through a reduction in fossil fuel use. The chamber of the Scottish Parliament is captured by Dorling's inciteful and engaging storytelling. #FoP2025

🙋 Time for questions from the audience. First is about what has caused violent crime to fall in the last 20 or so years. Dorling puts this down to the increased role and power of women, specifically mothers in our society and in how children are raised. #FoP2025

🌍 On global comparisons: Danny Dorling puts Scotland in context of our Nordic neighbours — how do we compare to other nations on equity and opportunity? 🗣️ Be part of the conversation 👇 tell us your thoughts in the thread below 👇 #FoP2025

📉 On economic justice: Danny Dorling reminds us that inequality isn’t inevitable — it’s a policy choice. What policies are most important to tackle inequalities? #FoP2025

🩺 On inequalities in health: “I can predict on a map who is likely to die in their 90s and who will die in their 70s” Dorling points to the stark reality that healthy life expectancy can be predicted based on what area people grow up and live in. #FoP2025

Live now at #FestivalOfPolitics 🎉 🗣️ In conversation with Danny Dorling — geographer, author, and provocateur on inequality, housing, and the future of fairness in Britain. In partnership with @DavidHumeInst

Just wrapping up #VoteChatbot 🤖 at the Scottish Parliament. A recording will be available in the coming weeks. 👇 Keep the conversation alive 👇 Can AI make democracy more accessible? What ethical frameworks do we need to build protect it? #FestivalOfPolitics #FoP2025

The panel at Vote Chatbot at the Ballot now discusses "shitification" 💩 Does technology and AI make everything worse? or does it give humans more freedom to be artistic, creative, idiosyncratic and personable? #FoP2025

AI-generated avatars, false biographies, campaign bots — the future of politics is already here. Is regulation of technology always playing catchup? and do the large tech companies deserve a say in how that regulation functions? #VoteChatbot. #FestivalOfPolitics #FoP2025

At #FestivalOfPolitics - Prof. Cristian Vaccari discusses that we are in a pandemic of lack of trust. Technology can both help or hinder trust... it can make our institutions more transparent, or it can spread misinformation. #VoteChatbot 🗣️ Join the conversation, can we trust AI?

The discussion has begun around large language models. @maggiechapman.bsky.social kicks off with a crucial question: "What are the democratic risks of using a biased system, or at least a system that doesn't have all the information?" #AIandDemocracy #FestivalOfPolitics #FoP2025

🤖 Politics meets algorithms - We are live at Vote Chatbot at the Ballot! #FestivalofPolitics Can AI support civic engagement without undermining trust? Join the discussion #FoP2025 #ScotlandsFuturesForum

🔚 That’s a wrap on “The Future of Health”! Innovation isn’t just tech—it’s communities, third sector, economic policy and more. Thanks to all speakers and attendees! 🎟️ Our next event is on AI and Democracy join us in person or across socials: tikt.link/votechatbot #FoP2025

💬 Audience Q&A underway! "Socio-economic impact has the highest impact on health inequalities. What do the panel think of initiatives like a Universal Basic Income?" Should it be means tested?, does it drive inflation?, 🗣️ Be part of the conversation #FestivalOfPolitics #FoP2025

John Cassidy, Chair of Scottish Communities for Health and Wellbeing, highlights the challenges charities face fundraising, alongside the positive power of the voluntary sector to change lives.

The panel discusses the Christie Commission. Many solutions were offered by the Christie Commission are still being discussed today, was it an opportunity missed? #FoP2025

Allison Catalano, fellow at Fraser of Allander Institute. Reflects on her previous work as a restaurant manager led to her seeing how work and health are intrinsically linked 💡 📈 Will improvement of the economy improve health? Be part of the conversation 🗣️ #FoP2025

🎉 We're live again at the #FestivalOfPolitics at the Scottish Parliament for “The Future of Health” – a panel exploring innovations in preventive care and wellbeing. Stay tuned for highlights! 🧵👇 #FoP2025

What will local government look like in 2055? Today’s panel has explored the difficulties faced by Scotland’s current local government structure and proposed both bottom up and top down solutions. What would you change? 🗣️ Reply below 👇 #FestivalOfPolitics #FoP2025

Another question from the audience "How do we make sure that young people are included?" Dr Greg Stride responds "Political parties play a major role in involving more young people [and marginalised groups] involved" 👉 How do you think we can increase participation from hard to reach groups?

Members of the audience now asking their questions. 1st question is from a rural campaigner of 40 years "Why have we known these things for so long, but we have never acted on it?" Esther Roberton says that "Power is at the heart of it and we need to start giving it away"

"People tend to only be interested in contentious issues" says @TenaciousTory Cllr Gail Macgregor How should we increase participation in our democracy? Join the discussion @ScotFutures #FoP2025

Futures Forum opening event ariane-burgess.bsky.social asks "Has the creation of the Scottish Parliament strengthened or weakened Local Government?" at the #FestivalofPolitics #FoP2025 Share your thoughts below

“It's not local and it doesn't govern” @andywightman.scot says as the discussion opens at #FoP2025 Is the current structure of local government fit for the next 30 years? 👇 Join the discussion👇

🏛️ Kicking off soon: Reshaping Local Government at #FestivalOfPolitics ! 30 years since Scotland’s last major reform—what’s next? 📍 Scottish Parliament | 🎟️ tikt.link/localgovernm...

🗳️ Will AI improve or hinder human participation in politics? Join us at Festival of Politics to explore how AI is shaping democracy. 🎤 @maggiechapman.bsky.social, Robert Moran, @pipt.bsky.social, @profvaccari.bsky.social & @ewaluger.bsky.social 📆 Aug 20, 5:30–7:00pm 🎫 ow.ly/ZoMm50WANXc #FoP2025

Tomorrow! Join @ariane-burgess.bsky.social , Esther Roberton, @andywightman.scot , Cllr Gail Macgregor & Dr Greg Stride in conversation on the future of local government in Scotland. 📅 20 Aug | 🕥 10:30am 🎟️ tikt.link/localgovernm... #FestivalOfPolitics #ScotlandFuture #FoP2025

We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Sir George Reid, founder of Scotland’s Futures Forum. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we honour his legacy of public service and visionary leadership. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Will AI support or supplant human participation in politics? Join the compelling conversation chaired by @maggiechapman.bsky.social MSP with our panellists Robert Moran, @pipt.bsky.social, @profvaccari.bsky.social and @ewaluger.bsky.social 📆 Aug 20, 5:30pm ‐ 7:00pm 🎫 t.co/jOCnetKs19

Join Liam McArthur MSP @orkneymsp.bsky.social in conversation with Danny Dorling, the UK’s best-known social geographer, to discuss his new book The Next Crisis – What We Think About the Future. In partnership with @davidhumeinst.bsky.social 📆 21 Aug, 11 am-12:30pm  🎫 tikt.link/dannydorling

How are technology, policy and community-driven approaches shaping the future of healthcare? Join the thought-provoking conversation at Festival of Politics with Brian Whittle MSP, Allison Catalano, John Cassidy, Chaloner Chute 📆 20 Aug, 1:15pm-2:45pm   🎫 tikt.link/futureofhealth  #FoP2025

Join us for 'Vote Chatbot at the Ballot', where we’ll debate the rise of AI in political life. From campaign bots to deepfakes, what’s at stake when machines shape our political choices? 🗓️ In partnership w/ Scotland's Futures Forum 🎫 Tickets available now www.citizenticket.com/events/festi...