There is well established relationship between them. Computational thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components, and using algorithms and computational tools to analyze and solve them. This approach can have a significant impact on foresight, which is the ability to anticipate future trends and developments.
By using computational thinking to analyze data and identify patterns and trends, foresight professionals can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that are likely to shape the future. For example, they can use data analysis tools to identify emerging technologies, demographic shifts, economic trends, and other factors that are likely to have an impact on society in the coming years.
In addition, computational thinking can help foresight professionals to develop and evaluate different scenarios for the future. By breaking down complex scenarios into smaller components and using algorithms to analyze the interactions between them, they can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the potential outcomes of different events and trends.
Furthermore, computational thinking can help foresight professionals to communicate their findings and insights more effectively. By using data visualization tools and other computational tools to present complex information in a clear and accessible way, they can help decision-makers to understand the implications of different scenarios and make informed decisions.
Overall, computational thinking can have a transformative impact on foresight by enabling more data-driven and evidence-based approaches to anticipating future trends and developments. By applying computational thinking to foresight, professionals can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that are likely to shape the future and develop more effective strategies for addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
One example of how computational thinking has been used in foresight is the Global Trends report produced by the National Intelligence Council (NIC), which is a US government agency responsible for providing strategic intelligence to policymakers.
The Global Trends report is a quadrennial publication that provides a long-term strategic assessment of the future, with a horizon of 20 years or more. It aims to identify the key drivers of change that are likely to shape the international environment over the coming decades, and to assess their potential impact on US national security.
To produce the report, the NIC uses a range of computational tools and methods, including data analytics, modeling, and simulation. The report draws on a wide range of quantitative and qualitative data sources, including demographic data, economic data, social media data, and expert opinions, to identify emerging trends and assess their potential impact.
For example, in the 2017 Global Trends report, the NIC used computational methods to analyze demographic data and project future population trends. They also used network analysis tools to analyze social media data
In addition, the NIC used modeling and simulation tools to explore the potential impact of different scenarios. They developed a range of scenarios covering topics such as climate change and technological innovation and used computational methods to analyze the potential outcomes of each scenario.