Ahorisont

Ahorisont is an international interdisciplinary initiative focusing on futures studies, horizon scanning, and public engagement. It operates as a non-profit network that connects researchers, practitioners, artists, and policymakers to explore long-term trends and their implications for society.

The project originated in 2010 when a coalition of universities and think tanks in Northern Europe launched a pilot program to develop scalable methods for strategic foresight. Since then, Ahorisont has expanded to partnerships across Europe, North America, and Asia, supported by grants and institutional funding. The name blends languages for "horizon" and "anticipation." The aim is to stimulate reflective decision-making beyond short-term cycles.

Core activities include foresight research and scenario planning; an open-access repository of foresight reports; annual forums that mix academics, practitioners, and artists; and educational programs for students and civil servants. The platform hosts interactive tools for trend analysis, futures-related data visualization, and collaborative workshops.

Governance is organized as a non-profit association with a rotating board, an editorial collective for publications, and a community council representing partner institutions. It adheres to open science principles, data privacy standards, and ethics guidelines for responsible speculative work.

Ahorisont is recognized for connecting diverse disciplines and for advancing public engagement with long-term planning. Critics argue that futures work can be speculative and contingent on uncertain assumptions. Proponents note its value in informing policy, culture, and innovation ecosystems.