Institute for the Future

The Institute for the Future (IFTF) is an independent nonprofit research organization founded in 1971 by former RAND Corporation researchers. Based in Palo Alto, California, it specializes in long-term forecasting, scenario planning, and foresight research to help organizations and policymakers anticipate and prepare for future challenges and opportunities. IFTF is best known for its annual Ten-Year Forecast, a systematic exploration of emerging trends across technology, society, economics, and the environment.

The institute conducts research through a combination of quantitative analysis, expert interviews, and participatory workshops. Its work spans diverse domains including health, education, work, technology governance, and social resilience. IFTF has trained thousands of practitioners in foresight methodologies and maintains a network of global partners and fellows.

As a pioneer in the foresight field, IFTF has influenced strategic planning across government, business, and nonprofit sectors. The organization remains active in scenario development, trend analysis, and helping institutions build adaptive capacity in an uncertain future.