Linkages Working Group

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Linkages Working Group
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Discussion Flow

• Why do we want to link?
• (Side discussion of what FTA is and if it is
• different than Foresight, futures research, etc.)
• What is it we should be communicating?
• What mechanisms should we use?

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Why?

• To inform and have impacts on broad policy
  community
• Stimulate cooperation among FTA professional
  community
• FTA needs input (e.g. leading edge science)
• Create a self aware community
• Remove geographic barriers

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What

• Collaboration within and across regions among
  practitioners
• Form moderated e-groups by interest (4)
• Create a formal network of excellence (16)
• Design and support workshops to bring in outside
  groups including customers (14)
• Continue interactive biennial conferences to
  enhance face to face contacts (14)

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What (2)

• Link to the public through media (switchboard)
• Publications
• Link to other futures oriented organizations
• Link among academic organizations that teach
  futures/foresight
• Shared data bases
• Create international website foresight portal

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Mechanisms

• Create a locus with funding (IPTS)
• A portal and a node for FTA
• Relevance to current interests
• Careful preparation
• Initiatives can be catalyzed and implemented
• Linkages to public policy makers (through EPTA
  and others)
• Call for inclusion in the 7th framework program
  for
• network of excellence
• Other communications activities
• FTA in general

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Voluntary initiatives

• Moderated e-mail list and consultancy
• Link with EPTA agenda
• Design a workshop with corporate clients
• Many almost ready to contribute
• Contact in Canada
• Possible link to Millennium Project