Aims and scope

There is a significant need for European futures research as European countries face numerous substantial problems; at the same time they seek to make a contribution to solving global challenges. European regions “share” common experiences, divisions and conflicts – which altogether build a rich resource for critical examination as well as forward-looking renewal.

European integration after World War II has reshaped political, economic and social relations in Europe and beyond. Therefore, the future of Europe will also depend on the further development of the European Union in its wider transnational and global contexts. Consequently, the journal seeks to foster thorough analysis of key European policies, such as those for research and education.

Nonetheless, topics addressed in the journal are not limited to the (development of the) European Union; we invite articles that raise questions about European futures more generally. Interdisciplinary research is as welcome as are disciplinary studies, ranging from the social sciences and humanities to the natural sciences and engineering.

Besides its empirical focus the journal promotes discussions about European traditions and perspectives in futures research. Another objective is to advance the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of futures studies.

Possible fields of research and topics include but are not limited to:

Society: demographic change; migration; gender and social relations; welfare society; inclusion and exclusion

Politics: economic, financial, and political integration in the European Union; political participation and citizenship; European identity building; EU research, innovation, and (higher) education policies;

Economy and Business Sectors: futures of work and labour, production and consumption; competitiveness and technological innovations; growth and sustainable development; social environment and entrepreneurship; futures of leisure, sports and tourism;

Science and Technology: technology foresight and technology assessment; technoscience; radical technologies; logistics, transport and mobility; media and telecommunication; human enhancement; young generations and new technologies; European citizens and the broadband society;

X-cutting Issues: gender-specific and diversity perspectives; sustainability; environmental challenges and the greening of Europe; climate change policies;

Methodology and Methods: futures studies in comparative perspective; new research methods; integration of qualitative and quantitative methods; future-related uncertainties, risks, and ignorance;

Philosophy of Science: epistemological and ontological questions; theory of futures studies; “new” forms of knowledge; post-positivist research approaches; ethical questions.