Future Scenario Planning Toolkit for Local Policymakers

Newton, Radka and Rindt, Jekaterina and Calvo, Mirian (2025) Future Scenario Planning Toolkit for Local Policymakers. Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place, Liverpool.

Abstract

The "Future Scenario Planning Toolkit" is a guide designed to aid local policymakers in addressing complex regional development challenges such as achieving net-zero targets, fostering economic resilience, and managing socio-environmental issues. By employing a structured, evidence-driven, and creative framework, the toolkit facilitates exploration of multiple futures through scenario planning, emphasising critical uncertainties. Key components of the toolkit include stakeholder engagement, critical thinking, and a human-centred design approach that prioritises community wellbeing and inclusivity. The toolkit offers detailed step-by-step guidance on conducting Future Scenario Planning (FSP), from identifying policy challenges and gathering evidence to constructing scenarios and developing actionable strategies. It includes resources such as card templates and interactive exercises to empower policymakers in creating innovative and adaptive strategies. Based on practical applications, such as the "I-Connect" project for active transport challenges in the Eden Morecambe initiative, the toolkit serves as an essential tool for crafting sustainable regional policies. Further insights into this can be found in the associated policy briefing, published by the Heseltine Institute.