Let’s have a brief look at brands using foresight. Today, it’s General Electric (GE).

Many large and forward-thinking companies have established capacities specialising in strategic foresight, scenario planning, and trend analysis. These teams or individuals are responsible for identifying emerging trends, potential disruptors, and long-term opportunities and threats, actively contributing to the corporate long-term strategies. While it’s challenging to provide an exhaustive list, we present a series of examples of companies known for their investment in foresight activities helping them to achieve long term goals and desired futures.

In the 1960s, General Electric (GE) was one of the first companies to use scenario planning. Under the leadership of Herman Kahn, a futurist and one of the pioneers of scenario planning, GE used scenario analysis to explore potential future developments in technology and the global economy.

Now, various foresight elements form parts of GE’s integrated strategic management system, even though the term foresight does not come across. The company has a long-standing tradition of investing heavily in research and development, enabling it to anticipate market shifts and technological advancements. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability, GE has been able to position itself as a leader in various sectors, from energy and healthcare to aviation and manufacturing. The company has demonstrated spectacular ability to navigate economic uncertainties and capitalise on emerging opportunities during the last decades.

Now, GE is focused on playing an essential role in advancing the global energy transition and building decarbonization solutions, and on helping to meet the world’s needs for reliable, affordable and sustainable power and safe, efficient flight. One-third of the world’s power is created by GE and 90% of power transmission utilities worldwide are equipped with GE’s technology. The world’s largest installed base of nearly 38,000 commercial aircraft engines is powered by GE and their partners.

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