Forecasting, backcasting, migration landscapes and strategic planning maps

Forecasting and backcasting are both useful techniques for futures strategic planning. However, attempting to integrate these is problematic as the former constrains what the latter can achieve. Here, development of strategic planning maps to mediate this transition is suggested. These are based on the development of migration landscapes that span the gap between projected trends and aspirational futures, highlighting those intermediate events or indicators that will indicate realisation. This allows the determination of intermediate states assuring viability during the transition and the opportunity to respond to changes in the environment. As such, decision makers can better manage risk and so make better informed decisions.