Scoping Workshop - Science fiction thinking as future viability

Science Fiction Thinking: Shaping the future through imaginative narratives

The "Science Fiction Thinking" project explores how science fiction literature and culture can be used to imagine alternative futures and strengthen the future viability of individuals and organisations.

What contribution can science fiction make to futurology? And how can its ideas serve as a source of inspiration for innovative solutions? By investigating these and other topics, the project aims to establish science fiction thinking as a key competence for shaping the future.

Science fiction as an archive of ideas and source of inspiration for innovation

At its core, Science Fiction Thinking examines how the narrative potential of science fiction can help to understand and shape complex future scenarios. By telling stories based on scientific principles and cause-and-effect relationships, science fiction offers insights into possible developments and their consequences. It serves as an archive of ideas that not only highlights innovations, but also possible conflicts and risks. Companies and organisations are beginning to use this creative potential for innovation and transformation processes. The aim of the project is to integrate science fiction thinking into strategic planning processes and thus promote sustainability.

Scoping workshop recap

In July 2023, 30 scientists, practitioners and science fiction experts came together at the picturesque Herrenhausen Palace in Hanover for a three-day scoping workshop to explore the potential of science fiction thinking for futurology. Funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, the format provided a platform for identifying new fields of research and developing questions for the future.

The participants from various disciplines - from futurology, literature and book studies to artificial intelligence and entrepreneurial future design - discussed how science fiction can contribute to futurology. The focus was on questions such as the structured use of science fiction ideas for innovation, education and overcoming social challenges, for example in the context of climate change.

The workshop was characterised by an open and creative atmosphere that encouraged interdisciplinary exchange and new perspectives. In addition to the working sessions, informal discussions and encounters on the sidelines provided valuable inspiration for research and practice.