In 2024, the Finnish Society for Futures Studies (FSFS) introduced the first volume of the book Our World of Futures Studies as a Mosaic. Expanding on the ambition and objectives of the first volume and complementing the mosaic of diverse approaches to futures studies and foresight with perspectives from across the globe, this is the second installment, Our World of Futures Studies as a Mosaic, Part 2.

Similarly to Part 1, this new volume seeks to recognize and draw insights from the variety of contexts, traditions, and perspectives that together enrich the field of futures studies. Adhering to the metaphor of a mosaic, the series continues to conceptualize each contribution as a unique piece of a larger composition. Rather than striving for an exhaustive representation, the focus remains on crafting a reflective and inspirational collection that underscores the richness and diversity inherent in the field. Authors were encouraged to contribute with chapters that reflect the histories, traditions, schools of thoughts, people, practices, and forward-looking perspectives of their respective regions or networks, thereby fostering mutual learning and deeper understanding within the global futures studies community. It is through such collaborative efforts that we aim to advance the construction of this intricate mosaic, layer by layer and perspective by perspective.

With its twelve chapters, Our World of Futures Studies as a Mosaic, Part 2, weaves together texts from five continents, offering local and regional contributions discussing futures studies and foresight to the readers. The chapters marked as peer-reviewed have undergone an formal double blind review process, while the other chapters have been reviewed by the editors and, in some cases, also by other experts.

As language shapes culture and communication, for this publication, the authors were invited to provide an abstract in their local language as well as reflect on their local/regional languages and the concepts used in futures studies.

Helsinki, Finland May 26, 2026

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is organizing a one-day Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on Strategic Technology Foresight for policy making on 18 June, 2025 in Vienna, Austria.

The EGM will be oriented towards drawing lessons from experience of, and identifying future trends in, the use of technology foresight for strategic decision making. It will focus on sustainable development, and particularly on transitions towards a Circular Economy (which features as an example of the most recent experience).