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Introduction

In an era of unprecedented change, the future is increasingly unpredictable. Rapid technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, international conflict and socioeconomic transformations are reshaping the world at an extraordinary pace. Civil society organisations are tasked with addressing multifaceted, interconnected, and constantly evolving issues. From climate change and global health crises to political polarisation and social inequality, the challenges facing civil society are diverse and dynamic.

Traditional methods of problem solving, and decision-making are no longer sufficient in this rapidly changing world. Civil society must adapt to new realities and embrace innovative and agile strategies to remain effective and impactful. However, it can be challenging to think about and plan for a future that some have described as volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. The ability to think ahead, anticipate and prepare for change is called “Foresight”.

 

BASIS Project

The BASIS project aims to empower Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), their staff, volunteers, and other beneficiaries by strengthening their foresight capacities, the ability to anticipate future trends and challenges to inform strategic decision-making.

The project objective is to deliver a comprehensive foresight training module with participatory workshops, and practical roadmaps for addressing future challenges, and thereby develop and support a proactive and resilient civil society across Europe.

 

Project specific objectives

By helping Civil Society Organisations to enhance their foresight capacities, this project aligns with the European Agenda for Adult Learning (EAAL) 2021-2023 and the EU Strategic Foresight Report 2023, which emphasize the need for skills that enhance societal and economic resilience beyond work-related competencies.

 

What our programme will deliver?

The project partners will develop a detailed and comprehensive foresight training module, with in-person and, eventually, on-line options.

The project will also result in the development of a module for Training of Trainers session on Foresight.

We will deliver three participatory foresight workshops across three Countries, Ireland, Cyprus and Greece.

We will help participants to develop roadmaps for addressing future challenges. Through a comprehensive dissemination programme we plan to raise awareness of this project to a wide range of people across the three partner Countries.

 

Who can benefit from this project and how much does it cost to participate?

Our target audience is Civil Society organisations who face challenges but do not have large resources to develop this training themselves. Subject to adequate numbers, we can deliver this programme onsite.

We particularly welcome the engagement and participation of groups working on behalf of underrepresented groups.

 

Participation in the training is free of charge and a light lunch is provided to participants on the day.

 

Who are the project partners?

The following organisations are the partners collaborating on this project.

  • Institute For The Development of Employee Advancement Services (IDEAS), Ireland, https://ideasinstitute.ie/
  • Cyprus Workers Confederation (SEK), Cyprus,

https://www.sek.org.cy/tmima-eukopaikon-programmaton

 

A word of thanks to our funders

The BASIS project team would like to acknowledge the funding and support received from Léargas and the European Commission for this project.

 

This project is implemented with the financial support of the European Union.  Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Léargas.  Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

 

Project 2025-1-IE01-KA210-ADU-000360333

BASIS Project: Foresight Training and Capacity-Building Workshop in Cyprus

The IDEAS Institute were lead partners in the Erasmus+ funded project “BASIS” (Building a Foresight-Driven Civil Society) which sought to enhance our ability to predict and respond positively to impending change – be it technological, environmental or workplace related.  IDEAS developed and delivered, a two-day training and workshop programme which was held in Cyprus on 20th –21st April 2026, hosted by project partner SEK.

The workshop focused on strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs), trade union representatives and other stakeholders to apply participatory foresight methodologies in responding to the future challenges, and opportunities, arising from the green and digital transitions.

On Day 1, participants took part in a Training of Trainers (ToT) course at the SEK training Centre Larnaca, exploring practical foresight tools and techniques, including PESTEL analysis, SWOT analysis, force-field analysis, brainstorming and stakeholder engagement. The training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills to facilitate delivery of foresight training activities within their own organisations and communities.

On Day 2, a follow-up workshop and partner review meeting were held at the SEK Office in Larnaca.  Representatives from the partner organisations came together to reflect on the training delivered on 20 April, to give feedback on material content and format, to participate in discussions and practical workshop activities, to review project progress, and explore how the foresight methodologies could be applied to develop organisational and community responses.  This provided an important opportunity for knowledge exchange, transnational cooperation and peer learning.  It also reinforced the importance of forward-thinking, and the use of inclusive, participatory and collaborative approaches in preparing organisations and communities for future social, economic, environmental and technological changes.

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