The Institute for Futures Research (IFR): sense-makers for decision-makers

In an age of overflowing information and ever-changing technology, businesses and leaders grapple with a simple question: how do we prepare for tomorrow, today? Enter the Institute for Futures Research (IFR) at Stellenbosch Business School.

We offer a space where industry leaders actively engage with shifts in their environment, explore alternative futures, and develop their preferred future.

The IFR’s role has evolved significantly since its inception in 1974. Originally having a strong focus on providing reliable data for decision-making, the IFR has adapted to the data-saturated world of today, where decision-makers are often overwhelmed rather than informed by information.

"We offer a space where industry leaders actively engage with shifts in their environment, explore alternative futures, and develop their preferred future," says Doris Viljoen, first female director of the IFR.

Heilet Bertrand, manager at the IFR added, "A principle in Futures Studies that really holds true for me is that you don't have to be right. And people struggle with that. They want one answer and one solution, and we actually propagate the opposite of that."

"Our work now isn’t just about providing data but creating spaces where meaningful dialogue can unfold," Viljoen highlights.

To meet the needs of modern organisations, the IFR now emphasises creating “think spaces” — structured yet open discussions where clients can explore potential outcomes and alternative futures. IFR's offerings, including think days, sense-making workshops, and tailored futures reports, are designed to empower leaders to interpret complex trends and integrate foresight into their strategic planning. As Doris describes it, the IFR's core mission is "to help clients make sense, to understand multiple plausible futures, and to co-create preferable futures."

Our work now isn’t just about providing data but creating spaces where meaningful dialogue can unfold.

Unpacking the origins of foresight

Viljoen's journey into futures research is anything but conventional. Originally from the field of strategy and business consulting, her work involved feasibility studies for major capital projects. However, as she delved into forecasting, she realised that data alone could not capture the full spectrum of change.

"My Excel sheets could only go so far," she recalls. "What was missing was a framework for thinking about the unknown — a place where foresight would drive strategic planning beyond projections. It was here, at the IFR, that I finally found a home for my innate curiosity and forward-thinking approach.

"I stumbled upon Futures Studies and thought, 'This is where I belong,'" she recalls. Doing the academic programmes in Futures Studies formalised her intuitive grasp of strategic foresight, giving structure to her natural inclination to anticipate trends. By merging theory and practical methods, Viljoen has since become an instrumental figure at the IFR, joining the university as a researcher in 2017.

Encouraging foresight in an uncertain world

The heart of the IFR's methodology lies in cultivating curiosity, empathy, and inclusivity. For Viljoen and her team, understanding the 'why' behind trends is essential.

"We don’t just stop at observing a 2% increase or a 3% decrease. We dig deeper to uncover the human stories and motivations driving these shifts." 

This integrated approach helps clients navigate complex situations, especially in South Africa and across Africa, where socio-political and economic factors are influenced disproportionately by global shifts.

Their emphasis on empathy is not just philosophical; it is a cornerstone of the IFR’s practical application. Each project invites diverse perspectives from within an organisation, bridging hierarchies and silos. By including a range of voices, the IFR offers the opportunity for a culture of ownership of the foresight process among participants.

"We don’t bring answers or orders. We bring the foresight methods," Viljoen says. "This approach encourages clients to formulate strategies that resonate with their organisational identity, rather than adopting generic solutions."

We don’t bring answers or orders. We bring the foresight methods.

The rigorous field of foresight

Many people perceive Futures Studies as abstract or even "fluffy", but Viljoen is quick to counter this misconception. Far from being a whimsical exercise, foresight at the IFR is a structured, data-driven process. Viljoen's research culminated in a PhD framework that guides a futures thinking process while incorporating continuous assessment of the quality thereof. This rigorous approach ensures that every project is grounded in robust analysis, equipping clients with tools to anticipate and adapt to change effectively.

"It’s about rehearsing for the future,” she explains. "By exploring different possible outcomes, you’re better prepared to face whatever comes your way."

What does the future hold for the IFR

A significant part of the IFR’s vision is to sustain and encourage the growth of futures thinking and Futures Studies as a field across South Africa and beyond its borders. Through the research colloquium, which Viljoen affectionately refers to as the IFR’s “mud pit,” alumni and current futures thinking researchers gather to test, refine, and ideate new tools and methodologies. This collaborative environment provides a practical learning ground for graduates of the university’s Futures Studies programmes, enabling them to translate theory into action.

"South Africa’s foresight landscape is still developing, and we’re proud to play a role in that journey," she said proudly. "The IFR’s innovative model, which employs a wide network of research associates, allows the institute to tap into industry-specific expertise and maintain agility across sectors. This approach also builds a succession pipeline of skilled futurists who are familiar with IFR’s methods and culture. If I needed to recruit tomorrow, I’d look to our pool of associates."

Preparing leaders for tomorrow, today

As they celebrate their 50th anniversary, the IFR stands as a beacon and testament to the power of adaptability. From the early 1970s to today, the institute has evolved alongside the world’s shifting landscapes, empowering, enabling, and encouraging leaders to make sense of change rather than fear it.

With decades of expertise and a network of dedicated futurists, the IFR continues to embody its role as a “sense-maker” for South Africa’s and the world’s most influential leaders. As Doris puts it, "We’re here to help people not only understand multiple possible futures but to co-create the future they want to see."