Future science, technology and innovation scenarios for Botswana

A scenario is a story about a future state of existence normally expressed as a narration. A scenario is a plausible destination in the future and contains elements of barriers of the past (holding back progress), drivers of the present (pushing forward based on current strengths), and opportunities (pulling into the future). Since multiple futures should be considered, scenario planning provides a method to envisage those futures based on background information collected during a foresight exercise. By telling a story, a very complex environment can be communicated to the user, and both discrete aspects of foresight (practical aspects to act on), and future thinking (cognitive aspects of the foresight) are integrated. It is through the imagination of the scenario user that decisions are made about moving towards a preferred future. By considering one’s own and others’ opinions, and sticking to the facts arising from a situational analysis, scenarios can gain credibility. However, in an STI context, their main determinants are the technologies that will be employed in innovative ways in the future, as well as the ways people will behave in the market or social space with regard to social innovations and inside STI organisations, as well as the influence of external events, which may be of geopolitical, natural, economic or social origin.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure