FUTURES

Editors: Concepción Olavarrieta, Jerome C. Glenn, and Theodore J. Gordon

FUTURES is the most comprehensive futures studies encyclopedic dictionary that exists to date. It comprises over 1,000 terms and methods used in futures studies. It is available in English and Spanish.

The work was initiated and coordinated by Concepción Olavarrieta, with review and edits of terms done by Theodore Gordon and Jerome Glenn, and with the contribution of more than 500 futurists from The Millennium Project network.

LIST OF TERMS addressed in FUTURES:

Access point

Action

Action research

Action science

Actor, stakeholder, agent

Actor’s game

Actor’s strategies

ADL method

Agent model quick basic program

Agro-biotechnology

Algorithm or algorism

Alien life

Allohistory

Alternate future

Alternate technology

Alternative (option)

Alternative development paths

Alternative energy

Alternative futures

Alternative history

Alternative paradigm

Alternative technology

Ambient Intelligence

Analog

Analogy

Analysis

Analysis of variance

Animal rights

Anomaly

Anticipation

Anticipative

Anticipatory action learning (AAL)

Anticipatory democracy

Anticipatory policy

AQAL (All quadrants, all levels)

Archetype

Area sampling

Argument mapping

Ariole

Arlington impact index

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial neural networks

Aspirational futures

Aspirations model

Assembling a panel

Assumption (critical assumption, hypothesis, model)

Assumption surfacing

Asymptotic

Attractor

Audacious goals

Autocorrelation analysis

Automata or automaton

Autonomus or excluded variables

Avalanche models

Averaging methods

Backcasting

Backstop technology

Balanced feedback loop

Bandwidth

Bariloche model

Bayes theorem

Bayesians

Belief systems

Bell curve

Bellwether

Benchmarking

Bequest values

Beta test

BIAS

Bibliometrics

Bifurcation (singularity, counterfactual, turning point)

Bifurcations

Big crunch

Binomial theorem

Biocentrism

Biodiversity

Bioethics

Bioprospecting

Biotechnology

Bitmaps

Blogs

Boolean Logic/Boole Technique

Bootstrapping paradigm

Bottom-up modeling, Bottom-up analysis

Bounded rationality

Box Jenkins models

Brain trust

Brain writing

Brainstorming

Branching program

Business as usual scenario

Business model

Business portfolio models

Butterfly effect

Carbon sequestration

Carrying capacity

Catastrophe theory

Causal attribution

Causal layered analysis

Causal loop diagram (CLD)

Causal models

Cause and effect analysis

Cellular automata models

Chance elements

Change

Change agent

Change cycle

Change management

Chaos analysis use in forecasting

Chaos theory

Charrette

Citizen congress

Citizen forum

Citizen panels (juries)

Clean/Cleaner technology

Clone/Cloning

Closed system

Club of Rome

Cocreative society

Cognitive bias

Cognitive map

Cognitive science

Cohort

Coincidence

Co-incident indicator

Collective consciousness

Collective intelligence

Collective memory

Collective unconscious

Common good/Common best

Communitarian

Communitarianism

Community

Community based process

Community buy-in

Community information infrastructure

Community transformation

Competing hypotheses

Competitive Intelligence

Complex adaptive systems

Complexity

Complexity manager

Computarium

Computational biology

Computer simulation

Concept fan

Concept map

Conduction time

Cone of plausibility

Conjecture, hypothesis, assumption

Connected individuality

Conscious evolution

Consciousness

Conscious-technology

Consensus

Consensus democracy

Constrained vision

Construction of meaning

Content analysis

Contingent valuation

Continuous variables

Continuities

Control theory

Convergence

Convergent

Corporate foresight

Corporate technology roadmap

Correlation

Cost-benefit analysis

Counter-factual

Counter-intuitive

Counter trend

Covariance analysis

Creative class

Creative knowledge economy

Creative thinking

Creativity

Creeping normalcy

Crisis

Criterion

Critical future studies

Critical path

Critical system requirements

Critical thinking

Cross impact analysis method

Cross sectional study

Cu-bit

Cultural evolution

Curve fitting

C-value paradox

Cyber crime

Cyber culture

Cybernetics

Cyberpunk

Cyberspace

Cyborg

Cyclical analysis

Darwinism

Data availablility

Data collection

Data mining

Debug

Decentralization

Decision analysis

Decision matrix

Decision modeling

Decision theory

Decision tree

Decomposition

Deconstructionism

Deductive prospective

Deep ecology

Delphi method

Depending variables or result variables

Desirable futures, preferable futures

Determinism

Devil’s advocate

Devolution

Diachronic

Diagnosis

Diagnostic reasoning

Diagram

Dictionary: FUTURES World Foresight Encyclopedic Dictionary.

Diffusion

Digital divide

Digital networks

Dimensional analysis

Direct consensus democracy

Disaggregation

Disconnected variables

Discontinuity, lack of continuity

Distribution

Disturbance generator

Divergence mapping

Divination

DNA computing

Double-loop learning

Dream society

Drivers

Driving forces

Dynamic equilibrium

Dynamical systems models

Dynamo

Dystopia

Early detection

Early warning note

Early warning system

Earth stewardship

Ecocide

Ecological footprint analysis

Ecological/Environmental justice/Ecolojustice

Ecological load

Ecologically sustainable development

Econometrics models

Economism

Ecosphere

Ecosystem

Ecosystem fragmentation

Ecosystem management

Eco-terrorism

Edutainment

Effective connections

EIES, Electronic information exchange system

Electronic infrastructure

Electronics

Emergent phenomenon

Emerging issue

Emerging Issues Analysis

Emerging technology

Entropy

Environmental ethics

Environmental impact

Environmental impact assessment

Environmental scanning

Environmental security

Episteme

Epoch A

Epoch B

Equilibrium models

Ethical dilemmas

Ethical investment

Evaluation, assessment

Event sequence analysis

Events (future)

Evolution

Evolution (co-evolution)

Evolutionary biology

Evolutionary development

Evolutionary models

Evolutionary spiral of development

Existence value

Exogenous (variables)

Expectancy

Expected utility/value

Expert choice

Expert forecasting

Experts panel

Experts system

Exploratory forecasting

Exploratory foresight

Exploratory futures

Exploratory methods

Exploratory scenarios

Exponential smoothing

Expost

Extended benefit-cost analysis

Extradimensionality

Extrapolation, projection

Extrapolative methods

Extropianism

Extropy

Factor

Factor analysis

Failed status

Failure mode

Fatalism

Feedback

Feedback loop

Feelysis

Feminine brain drain

Fibonacci numbers

Field anomaly relaxation method

Fitting curve

Flow

Folksonomy

Force-field analysis

Forecast

Forecast methods

Forecasting

Foreknowledge

Foresight (future studies, futures thinking, anticipation)

Foresight attitude

Foresight diamond

Foresight methods

Foresight principle

Foresight workshops, scenario breakout groups

Forward-stepwise regression analysis

Fourier analysis

Fractals

Frequency distribution

Functional equivalent

Future

Future course

Future generations

Future history

Future image

Future landscape

Future research

Future search conferences

Future shock

Future studies

Future survey

Futures

Futures concepts

Futures horizon

Futures metaphors

Futures methodology

Futures research

Futures studies

Futures terms conceptual map

Futures thinking

Futures variables

Futures wheel

Futures workshop

Futures: World Foresight Enciclopedic Dictionary

Futurescan system

Futurible and futurable

Futurics

Futuring

Futurist

Futurology

Fuzzy logic

Fuzzy sets

Game changer

Games

Gaming

Gaussian distribution

Gen X

Gen Y

Gene chip

General circulation/equilibrium models

Generational generative dialogue

Generic table

Genetic engineering

Genius forecasting

Germ, weak signal, shaping factor

Global 2000

Global brain

Global dynamics

Global Marshall Plan

Global Millennium Prize

Global Millennium Prize for Women

Global models

Global problematique

Global resolutique

Global warming

Globalism

Globalization

Glocalization

Goals

Godel’s incompleteness theorem

Gordian knot

Government foresight

Green politics

Greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gases

Group consensus method

Group facilitation techniques

Group intelligence

Group think

Groupware

Guttman scale

Hacker

Harmonic oscillator

Hedging

Heuristic

Heuristic modeling

Hidden attractor

Hierarchy

High impact/Low probability

Hindsight, historical view, retrospective

Historible

Historic analogy

Historicism

Holism

Holistic

Holon

Horizon scanning

Hudson Institute

Human development index

Human genome project

Hypotheses

Hypothesis generation

Hypothetical present

IBIS, Issue based information system

Image of the future

Images of the future

Imagination

Impact factor

Impact matrix

Impact wheel

Implicate order

In-basket exercises

Incasting

Independent variables

In-depth interviews

Indicator validator

Indicator, variable, factor, metric

Individual aggregates method

Individualism

Inductive and ascendant prospective

Industrial ecology

Industry technology roadmap

Inertia

Inference engine

Inference matrix

Influence diagram

Influent variable

Informatics

Information society

Information warfare

Infrastructure for the future

Initial conditions

Innovation

Innovation indicators

Innovation stage

Input-output

Input-output model

Insight

Instinct

Institute for social inventions

Institute for the Future

Institutional analysis

Institutionalize

Integral futures

Integrated synthesis

Integrative methods

Interactive

Interactive futures conference

Interactive scenarios

Interax simulation method

Interdependence

Interesting future

International geosphere-biosphere programme

Interpolation

Interpretative paradigm

Intimate

Intrinsic values

Intuition

Irreversibility

Isotropy

Issue, key issue, in play, stake

Issue trees

Issues management

Iteration

iThink

J curve

Jackknife

Jerk

Judgmental bootstrapping
Judgmental extrapoltaion
Judgment heuristics

Judgemental forecasting

Juster scale

Key assumptions check

Key forces

Key measures

KJ method

KJ technique

Knowledge economy

Knowledge management

Knowledge society

Kondratiev waves or supercycles

KSIM a simulation technique

La prospective

Lag

Lagging indicator

Laser technology

Lateral thinking

Law of diminishing/accelerating returns

Lead time

Leading indicators

Learning community

Learning systems

Levels theory

Life cycle

Life cycle analysis

Likert scale

Limit

Limiting factor

Limits to growth

Linear extrapolation

Linear programming

Linear relationship

Linear systems

Literature review

Localism

Logarithmic growth

Logic

Logical inference

Logistic growth

Long term

Longevity methods

Loop (computational)

Lorenz attractor

Macroshift

Mactor Method

MAO. Matrix actors x objectives

Map of the future

Materials science or materials engineering

Mathematical model

Matrix methods

Media type

Median

Meditation

Megadiversity

Megatrend

Megatrends

Meme, memes or memetic code

Metaphor

Metaphorical games

Metaphorm

Methods of exhaustion

Methods table

MICMAC method

Microfutures

Microscenarios

MID matrix of direct influence

MIDI matrix

Milestone

Millennium Award

Millennium Development Goals

Millennium Institute

Millennium Project

Millennium Project: FUTURES World Foresight Encylopedic Dictionary

Millennium Project Nodes

Mind map and Mind mapping

Mindset

Minimax method or theorem

Minitrends

Mission

Mission flow diagrams

Mixed foresight techniques

Mode

Model

Modeling

Modern futures movement

Monitoring

Montecarlo method

Moore’s Law

Moral community

Morphogenetic fields

Morphological analysis

Morphological box

Multi-criteria decision analysis

Multidimensionality

Multi-disciplinary, pluri-disciplinary

Multimedia

Multiple linear regression

Multiple perspective method

Multiple regression analysis

Multipol method

Multivariable analysis

Mutation

Mystical consciousness

Nanobot

Nanobot swarm

Nanoengineering

Nanopathogen

Nanotechnology

Narrative analysis

Negative feedback

Neo-malthusianism

Network analysis

Networks

New world disorder

Nightmare (scenario)

No surprise future

Node

Nodo Mexicano. El Proyecto del Milenio, A.C.

Noise

Nominal group technique

Nonlinear

Non-linear relationship

Nonmathematical model

Noosphere

Normalizing

Normative

Normative forecasting

Normative foresight

Normative futures

Normative methods

Normative scenarios

Normative studies

Norms

Omega point theory

Ontology

Operational foresight, operative foresight

Operations research

Opinion polling

Optimism & pessimism

Optimization

Organizational storytelling

Oscillation

Outside-in thinking

Oval map

Overshoot and collapse

Ownership (appropriation, internalization, assimilation, sharing)

Paradigm

Paradigm blindness

Paradigm shift

Paradox

Parallel processes

Parameter

Paranormal phenomena

Participatory democracy

Participatory methods

Pattern recognition

Perimeter

Personal futures

PERT

Pertinence tree

PEST analysis

Phase space

Photonics

Photovoltaics

Physical simulation elements

Picture of the future

Plan

Planification

Planner

Planning

Planning action

Plausible future

Pluri-disciplinarity

Point of inflection

Poisson distribution

Policy (policy space)

Policy outcomes forecasting model

Polynomial-regression analysis

Population dynamics

Positive feedback

Possible future

Possible futures, possible future, alternative future

Post-cartesian science

Post-human

Post industrial society

Post-materialism

Post-transition

Precautionary principle

Precursor

Precursor analysis

Precursor events

Predict

Prediction

Prediction markets

Predictive extrapolative methods

Preferable future

Preference, stated/revealed

Premonition

Pre-mortem analysis

Presage

Presentiment

Primary/secondary/tertiary effects

3D Printing

Prisoner’s dilemma

Proactive

Probabilistic cross-impact matrix

Probabilistic system dynamics

Probability (likelihood)

Probability distribution

Probable, probable futures

Problem

Problematique

Problem-oriented analysis

Process (disruptive process)

Process leader

Process mapping

Process steering committee

Process/Transformative leadership

Prognosis

Programmed decisions simulations

Programming/Planning

Progress

Project management

Projection

Prophecy

Pros-cons

Prospect theory

Prospective

Prospective evaluation

Protocol

Psychodrama

Public Delphi

Public opinion surveys

Purposes of future studies

Quadrant crunching

Quality of life

Quality techniques

Quantitative scenarios

Quantitive techniques

Quantum computing

Quantum theory

QUEST. Quick environmental scanning technique

Rand corporation

Random

Random events

Random number generators

Randomization

Range

Rational choice theory

Reactivity

Reading grid

Real time Delphi

Rebuilding civil society

Recursion

Reductionism

Reframing

Regional project, regional design

Regresion analysis

Regulation

Reinforcing feedback loop

Relevance tree

Reliability

Replication

Requirements analysis

Resilience

Resolutique

Resources analysis-chains of value

Resources partners

Restorative economy

Retroaction

Reversible

Rights of property

Risk

Risk analysis

Risk management

Risk society

Roadmapping

Robot

Robotics

Robust decision-making

Role playing

Run chart

Rupture, discontinuity, breakdown

Saltwater agriculture

Scale, metrics

Scanning

Scatter diagram

Scenario (story, narrative, outcome, path)

Scenario archetypes

Scenario, context analysis

Scenario levels

Scenario matrix

Scenario planning

Scenario technique

Scenario workshops

Scenarios

Science ethics

Science fiction

Science roadmap

Scientific thinking

Scoping

Search conference

Secondary variables

Secularization

Security foresight

Self altering

Self assembly

Self destructive prophecy

Self-fulfiling prophecy

Self organizing

Sensors

Service Web 3.0

Sets

Shared vision

Shifting dominance

Sigmoid curve/ S curve

Signal strength

Simulated person

Simulation

Simulation gaming

Simulation modeling

Simultaneaous equations

Single-loop learning

Singularity

Sistematic intuitions

SMIC method

SMIC-Prob-expert method

Smoothing

Social change

Social cycle theory

Social imaging

Social innovation

Social network analysis

Social reproduction

Social synergy

Social transformation

Socialization

Societal values/indicators

SOF, State of the future report

SOFI, State of the future index

Solution effect analysis

Space exploration

Space technology

Spaceship earth

Space-time continuum

Space-time model

Spacial dimension

Spheric vision

Spiral dynamics

Spontaneity

Stake variables

Stakeholder

Stakeholder panels

Starbursting

Starlogo

Starter scenarios

Stasis

State of the future index

Statistical analysis

Statistical methods

Statistical modeling

STEEP, Society, Technology, Economy, Environment, Policy

Stella II

Stem cells

Stewardship ethics

Stock

Strange attractor

Strategic analysis

Strategic analysis grid

Strategic and proactive leadership

Strategic and Tactics

Strategic business areas

Strategic business development

Strategic foresight

Strategic foresight, strategic planning

Strategic inflection point

Strategic management

Strategic planning

Strategic policy intelligence, regional intelligence

Strategic prospective

Strategic studies

Strategic thinking

Strategies

Strategy

Strength analysis

Structural analysis

Structured debate

Study, report

Subjective, judgemental or intuitive methods

Sub-optimization

Substitution analysis

Sugarspace

Suprasex

Survey

Survey letter, watch-letter, newsletter

Survey technique

Sustainability

Sustainable development

Sustainable development principle

Sustainable technologies

Swarm intelligence

SWOT analysis

Sylorgs

Symborgs

Synchronicity

Syncretism

Synectics

Synergestic convergence

Synergy

Synocracy

Synopsis

Synopthic path

Synthesis

Syntony

Syntropy

System

Systems dinamics

System sciences

Systemic

Systemic dynamics

Systemic methods

Systemic process

Systems analysis

Systems foresight, systems thinking, holistic perspective

Systems theory

Systems thinking

Table of actor’s strategies

Tactic

Taxonomy

Tech-cast

Technoborgs

Technological determinism

Technological forecasting

Technology acceptance model

Technology assessment

Technology drivers

Technology forecasting

Technology foresight

Technology management

Technology planning

Technology roadmapping

Technology sequence analysis

Teilhard de Chardin

Telesthesia

Template

Temporal conceptions

Temporal horizon

Terminal scenario

Text data mining

The Futures Polygon

Theorem

Think tank

Threshold

Thurstone scale

Time capsule

Time frame

Time frames

Time horizon (event horizon, timeframe)

Time lag

Time series

Time series analysis

Timeline

TKJ

To anticipate

Top-down process

Transdisciplinarity

Transhuman

Transhumanism

Transinstitution

Tree of knowledge (TOK)

Trend

Trend analysis

Trend assessment

Trend extrapolation

Trend impact analysis

TRIZ

Trust interval or certainty (accuracy) interval

Turbulence

Turing test

Ubiquitous computing

Ultimate aims

Uncertain

Uncertainty

Uncertainty principle

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Universal humanity

Unknown

Uplearning

Utilitarian

Utilitarianism

Utopia

Validation

Validaty

Value

Value of variable

Value theory

Values

Vantage point

Variable

Variables

Variance

Variance analysis

Variation

Vector

Vertical levels

Virtual reality

Vision

Vision in futures

Visioning, Image

Visualise

Visualization

Visualizing

Voice (speech) recognition

Volatility

Weak signals, seeds of change

Weapons of mass destruction

Web

Webs and networks

What If?

White holes

Wild card

Wild cards

Wind tunnelling

Wired

Wise culture

Working group

World Future Society

World Futures Studies Federation

Worldview

Worldview assumptions

Worldwatch Institute

Young Science