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December 2009 Insight magazine
What's the future look like for our region? How will we live, work, and play five, ten, fifteen years from now? How do we plan for these changes in a world of uncertainty? And how do we stay connected globally to ensure our prosperity as a region? This issue of Insight magazine offers some insights into these questions raised at the 2009 Leadership Exchange, "Global Connections & the Region's Future."
In this edition of Insight magazine, we attempt to crack the code of "world class" and explore why it matters. We look at how Greater Philadelphia stacks up in the eyes of the world and consider lessons learned from past attempts to land world class events. And we introduce an important new Economy League initiative. Click here to go directly to the suggested further reading highlighted in this edition.
Scenario planning is a proven approach to strategic planning that identifies plausible alternative storylines describing the future and what it might look like. Scenario planning first gained popularity as an innovative and effective planning tool in the corporate world, and has since been utilized in regional strategic planning efforts around the world. Below are a few of our favorite initiatives.
In 2009, the Center for Houston's Future began a regional scenario planning process whose scope bears resemblance to World Class Greater Philadelphia.
"In February, 2009, the Center for Houston's Future launched an ambitious, 18-month regional Scenario Planning Process, the purpose of which is to define the alternative futures, or scenarios that the greater Houston region might face in the years 2015 to 2040."
In 1991-1992, South African leaders came together to think creatively about the future of their country. In the midst of deep national conflict, scenario planning generated substantive messages about the future of the divided country, developed informal networks and understandings, and changed ways of thinking.
Regional Scenario Planning in Europe
The European Union supports forward-looking regional strategic planning initiatives known as Foresight exercises. Several European regions have used scenario planning as the primary mechanism for developing strategies for the future.
Scenario Planning: A Tool for Strategic Thinking
In this foundational article from 1995, Paul Schoemaker makes the case for scenario planning as a useful tool for strategic planning. Schoemaker serves as Research Director of the Mack Center for Technological Innovation at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and is Chairman of Decision Strategies International, an internationally renowned Conshohocken-based strategy firm.
Agenda 360 is a regional effort to "transform Cincinnati USA, by the year 2020, into a leading metropolitan region for talent, jobs and economic opportunity for all who call our region home."
Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network
Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network researches and analyzes key issues affecting the Silicon Valley region's economy and quality of life. It convenes leaders from business, government, academia, labor, and other communities to work strategically toward innovative solutions of key regional issues.
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