Organisation

Structure

A permanent core is responsible for methodology, quality, data and coordination. The substantive work scales through temporary project teams and the expert network: each question gets the combination of knowledge it needs.

The lab's value lies in understanding the meaning of a change earlier than others and turning it into options for a decision. The client takes the decision, and the lab prepares the options and their grounds.

Directions of the core

• Advanced researchThe strategic and far horizons: scenarios, technological and socio-economic trends.Result: Strategic reports, scenarios, maps of opportunities and threats, the annual forecast
• Analysis and methodologyThe near horizon (the situation, risks, actors, industries, the information environment) and analytical standards.Result: Regular and project analysis, the forecast register, quality standards
• Data and open sourcesLawful collection, cleaning, checking and structuring of data, and information security.Result: A verifiable evidence base and a body of knowledge fit for machine processing
• Expert network and communicationsCoordinating the expert network and turning analysis into clear material for executives, partners and the public.Result: Access to knowledge, expert checking of conclusions, briefings and publications

The lab's assets

• A history of observations and decisionsSeparate reports add up to a knowledge base of events, actors, organisations, forecasts, sources and decisions.
• A verified map of knowledgeThe lab knows who in the expert network understands what, and the work has confirmed it.
• A reproducible methodologyThe cycle and the standards are written down and work the same way for every analyst.
• A forecasting reputationThe forecast register shows where the lab was right and where it was wrong.
• A schoolKnowledge passes on through training and mentoring and does not depend on a single analyst.