Home |  Contact UsSitemap

FOCUS

Dr Dominik Balthasar

Futurist Profile

 

Dr Dominik Balthasar

Freelance

Senior Consultant

Education:
PhD in International Development, London School of Economics and Political Science;

Certificate of the Oxford Scenarios Program, Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford

Dr Balthasar answered a few questions about his perspective and on being a futures thinker.

ABOUT YOU AS A FUTURES THINKER / PRACTITIONER

You identify yourself as an African futures thinker or practitioner. How would you describe to the woman or man on the street what it is that you do in this regard?

I seek to assist individuals in the public and private sectors to scrutinize their worldviews, take a more holistic perspective on pertinent decisions, and identifying more comprehensive solutions to the challenges they face.

How many years have you worked as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Somewhere between 16 and 2 years, depending on the definition applied for “African futures thinker”.

In which countries or places have you had working experience as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

None.

In what languages have you undertaken futures / foresight related work or research?

English, German

What is it that motivates you to work or participate in the foresight / future studies / related field

The ability to fledge creative muscles, and the hope that foresight provides a tool to refocus debates from deficiencies of development to potentials for peace and prosperity.

What goal/s would you most like to reach with your work as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Contribute to novel ways to think about development, and innovative means of bringing it about.

Who or what most influenced your thinking as a futures thinker / practitioner, and how?

The Oxford Scenarios Program by means of providing me with deep insights in and tangible tools to engage in foresight.

What is your main disciplinary background? (i.e. your primary training / qualification)

Political economy of international development.

How do other people describe you and how do you describe yourself?

Others describe me as… ‘Qoslaye’ (som. for ‘the laughing man’).
I describe myself as… curious.

 

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

“Chance favours the prepared mind” (Louis Pasteur)

How would you describe the state of African futures thinking right now?

Emerging

What is, in your opinion, the main barrier to uptake of futures knowledge by African institutions and organisations?

Not sure whether there is a barrier particular to African institutions and organisations…

If you were to give advice to someone who wants a career in African foresight / future studies, what would you say to him or her?

Go for it – it promises a worthwhile undertaking!

What are your recommendations for other favourite futures resources: websites, newsfeeds, mailing lists, associations, etc.?

Institute for the Future
School of International Futures
Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies
Association of Professional Futurists

 

Share your Profile

 

Profile Archive

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

new-sampnode-logo rockefeller-logo-footer-new

Foresight For Development - Funding for this uniquely African foresight site was generously provided by Rockefeller Foundation. Email Us | Creative Commons Deed | Terms of Conditions