Futures research in a university: The Polish experience

University functions and capabilities are considered as related to futures research. The interdisciplinary character of futures research (FR) requires a multidisciplinary environment and a variety of methodological approaches that are usually developed at the university. FR groups in various universities have been started from different disciplines and their origin has influenced the orientation of FR projects and teaching programs. Six alternatives are considered. An example of an interdisciplinary, policy analysis-oriented FR institution is described on basis of the experience of Futures Research Center of Wroclaw Technical University in Poland.