Journal of the National Research University Higher School of Economics

The authors answer the question yes. This argument is justified by the history of the evolution of mankind’s perceptions about the future. It is also stressed that civilization in its development came to a critical point, which may culminate in a collapse or a breakthrough in the future. The consequences are heavily dependent on the decisions taken today. The desired future can be achieved only if the key actors of society have an agreed vision for the future. To provide such a vision is the main aim of Foresight. The paper consider distinctions of Foresight from traditional forecasting, its evolution and consequent increasing of impact, allowing Foresight to remain an adequate tool to answer the complex challenges of social development.