Research methods
While we may have some interesting opinions ourselves, that is not what sets Futuresphere apart. We’re not soothsayers. We’re not that interesting.
It is our analytic approach that makes us different.
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Our approach to analysing issues
We adopt an holistic, portfolio approach to analysis; We don’t consider issues in isolation.
First, we evaluate context. No policy occurs in a vacuum. Every policy faces constraints. Understanding contextual factors is a crucial step to understanding second- and subsequent-order effects of policies and policy change.
Secondly, we rely on data. We formulate our analyses based on empirical reality, rather than prejudices or presumptions.
Thirdly, we analyse behaviour at agent and system level, using leading-edge stochastic methods and tools to model the phenomena we are analysing.
Fourthly, we incorporate process, at two levels. We understand and often model the agential (people) and systems dynamics in the context in which a policy will proposal operate. Also, we recognise that a policy must work politically as well as publicly. The public policy process (see adjacent) must command the political process as well as serve its intended audiences.
By analysing ‘in the round’ the issues we address, we minimise the bias that bedevils the work of so many think tanks and restricts the utility of their contributions to policy debate. Our research comes out policy-ready, with substantiating data and, where appropriate, documented analytical models that substantiate our recommended paths of action.
As we’ve stated, we are a think and act tank.
The end-to-end policy process
Click to enlarge