fremsyn

Fremsyn is the Danish term for foresight or futures studies. It denotes systematic processes for exploring possible, plausible, and preferable futures to inform decision-making in policy, business, and public administration. The word fremsyn combines frems- from frem meaning forward and syn meaning sight or vision.

A fremsyn exercise typically involves horizon scanning to identify emerging trends and disruptions, analysis of drivers such as demographics, technology, economy, environment, and governance, and the construction of scenarios or visions for different futures. Common methods include scenario planning, roadmapping, Delphi surveys, backcasting, and participatory workshops. The aim is to produce strategic options, indicators, and early warning signals for decision-makers.

Applications range from national and regional policy and climate adaptation to corporate strategy, urban planning, health, and education. Outputs can be policy briefs, strategic roadmaps, risk assessments, or monitoring frameworks designed to guide investments and governance in the long term. Fremsyn emphasizes resilience and adaptability rather than precise predictions.

Historically, the practice of foresight emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, with prominent early work such as Shell's scenario planning. It has since been adopted in many countries, including Denmark and other Nordic nations, as part of strategic planning and innovation policy. Related concepts include foresight, scenario planning, horizon scanning, and the Delphi method.