Finding the solution to 'wicked problems'

Victoria University presents this seminar exploring how Anticipatory Governance couples public policy development.

One of the most pressing challenges faced today is our turbulent and changing environment. How can we develop government decision-making processes that are flexible enough to respond to these long-term societal changes?

In an era when the pace of change was slow, and the interconnections between various social and technological systems were low, there would be little case for thinking systematically about “how the future might be different than the present”.

We may yearn for those times – and yet today’s world experiences rapid changes and what some call “wicked problems”. These are problems that require a broad coalition of people and perspectives to effectively address.

Analysing our current situation should give us pause for thought. We are not responding effectively to the threats of climate change, a volatile financial system, the growing gulf between the super-rich and the 99%, and the looming disruptions we can expect from technology.

José will review his own experiences in linking foresight to public policy, approaches trialled and applied in many countries, and the opportunities for Melbourne. This seminar will be interactive and ask participants to come up with ideas for change.

The speaker

José Ramos works at the interface of applied foresight, alternative globalisation pathways, community and urban resilience. He is a social change researcher, trans-disciplinary collaborator, and advocate for commons-oriented social alternatives.

He holds a Doctorate from Queensland University of Technology in Global Studies and Strategic Foresight. He has taught and lectured on futures research, methods and analysis at the National University of Singapore, Swinburne University of Technology, the University of the Sunshine Coast and Victoria University. He has over 40 publications.

He is senior consulting editor for the Journal of Futures Studies, and has over ten years’ experience through his research and consulting business Action Foresight, working with communities and organisations to develop their foresight-to-action capacities. He has also helped to establish a number of social enterprises, most recently the Footscray Maker Co-op.

Footscray University Town events & activities

This one of a range of Footscray Uni Town events & activities brought to you as part of the ongoing Footscray University Town partnership between VU and Maribyrnong City Council.

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