Resilience Frontiers goes beyond the limiting ‘Problem–Solution’ mindset towards a more imaginative and dynamic ‘Creative Design of our Future’
Through a collective exploration of desirable futures, it is mobilising diverse expertise to accelerate action along eight interlinked transformational pathways, spanning technologies, nature, values, and governance, to shape a paradigmatic shift towards sustainability.
At Resilience Frontiers, we are advocating for a substantial change in the way we think about things. This need has arisen from growing concerns about our unhealthy relationship with nature, which poses a material threat to the environment, and a developmental and existential threat to our species.
This initiative aims not to merely change mindsets and behaviours, but ultimately to shift paradigms, and usher in a wellbeing revolution. This transformation will not be easy. At its heart lies the challenge of overcoming the barrier of cognitive dissonance. But what exactly is cognitive dissonance, and how does it function?
Our brains are wired to seek comfort in familiar patterns. Every time we are faced with a scenario that does not follow a set pattern, we become uncomfortable. Our gut reaction is to fill gaps with letters, words, or narratives we know, even when they diverge from reality. Moreover, internalised biases, like confirmation and anchoring bias, narrow our viewpoint. We end up basing our future predictions on current conditions, ignoring information that goes against what we already believe. Selective exposure to information and selective recall further solidifies our existing beliefs. We also tend to rely too much on data that is readily accessible (the “availability heuristic”), making it hard for us to imagine new possibilities creatively. These cognitive biases collectively contribute to the status quo, making it difficult for us to imagine and embrace transformative change.
At Resilience Frontiers, we combine unique strategic foresight with human agency to design futures that extend beyond traditional linear, short-term thinking. This transition from a ‘problem/solution’ mindset towards a ‘creative design of our future’ mindset offers a dynamic method to address ‘wicked problems’ – problems with many interdependent factors that make them seem impossible to solve.
The core objective of Resilience Frontiers is to implement eight transformative pathways. These pathways harness frontier technologies and innovative strategies to ensure harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature in a world that is sustainable, equitable, and resilient. Interdisciplinary collaboration is integral to achieving these objectives, as is engaging diverse international experts and stakeholders to collaboratively shape pathways towards desirable futures.
Moreover, Resilience Frontiers recognises the significance of data and behavioural insights. Advisory groups within the initiative are constantly expanding the scope of knowledge in behavioural science, foresight methodologies, and frontier technologies. This comprehensive approach aims to uncover first-mover actions that help shift humanity’s relationship with nature from one of extraction and depletion to one of regeneration.
By rigorously applying foresight practices, Resilience Frontiers lays down actionable plans for establishing permanent resilience. The larger aim is to catalyse an irreversible global shift towards resilience, emphasising the crucial role of human agency in this transformative process.
Put simply, Resilience Frontiers is primarily concerned with transformational future-making. Towards this, we advocate for a holistic approach to overcoming the cognitive biases that limit our vision. It strives for a future where technological advancements are in harmony with environmental stewardship and social equity, navigating the complex landscape and interconnected challenges of this and future centuries.