Futures is a systematic exploration of probable, possible and preferable future developments to inform present-day policy, strategy and decision-making.

This primer provides an overview of Futures methodologies and their practical application to policy development and advice. It is a first step for policy teams and officers interested in Futures - providing a range of flexible tools, ideas and advice to adapt to your own policy challenges and environments.

The primer is structured around the following questions:

• What is Futures - and how it is useful for policy development?
• What are the most important and useful Futures tools?
• How can I maximise the impact of Futures in government?
• What other tools are useful for integrating Futures with policy?

By providing an overview of Futures methodologies and their practical application to policy development and advice, this primer supports policy teams to:

• develop more and better policy choices for government decision-makers;
• identify emerging strategic risks and opportunities;
• create more resilient and flexible policies that can succeed in multiple possible futures.