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 |
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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’). |
YOUR PERSPECTIVE |
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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 |
Profile Archive
- Lubabalo Mgudlwa
- Ontlametse Gaothuse
- Dr Dominik Balthasar
- Khathu Muruba
- Isaac Nkama
- Dr Steven Lichty
- Dr Deon Cloete
- Tawakalitu Omolara Alabi
- Dr Laura Pereira
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