Investing In Scenarios Writers to Create the Future– is there merit to this idea or just another crazy notion?  In the absence of a crystal ball or magic eight ball, what tools, resources and/or methodologies is your organization using to discover, to innovate, and to encourage creative thinking that positions the city/county to address the challenges of the next 3, 5, 10 years?  

Consider this, many private companies invest in scenario writers to create future scenarios of the marketplace (In Search of Innovation, The Wall Street Journal. wsj.com, June 22, 2009).  Scenario writers come from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to imagine what the future of a specific marketplace could look like, where major disruptions to the marketplace might be found, and the opportunities and challenges that exist in each.  As the scenarios are developed, the writers work with the executive team to discard or embrace those thoughts, ideas, concepts and scenarios.      

Is it unrealistic to think scenario writers are a viable and value-added addition to the organization?  Maybe Not.   Ask yourself, how could local government use scenario writers?  Could they work with your non-profits and/or private sector partners in developing future scenarios on community specific issues and trends?   Perhaps they could take an internal look at what and how services are delivered?  

We welcome your thoughts which we’ll publish in our next Innovation Ambassador Update!