Member Article

North East Encouraged To Have A Say In Future Matters

A groundbreaking initiative which invites North East Industry, Education and Society to play a more active role in the region’s future, is already making its mark in the region.

Future Matters – which was launched by Prime Minister Tony Blair in December 2005 – is already working with 2000 individuals, 700 companies, 100 schools and a host of organisations in the public sector on futures thinking activities designed to give the North East the chance to play a part in shaping their future.

The initiative represents a collaboration between the DTI’s Foresight programme and SHiNE (Shaping Horizons in the North East). Based at Northern technology consultancy RTC North, the project team is working in three distinct areas; ‘Business Futures’ (uses futures thinking techniques to enhance a company’s strategic planning), ‘Society Futures’ (working in partnership with organisations to create policy options that capitalise on regional strengths and address weaknesses) and ‘Education Futures’ (working with schools and colleges to support the delivery of the national curriculum and promotes work related learning in science and technology related subjects).

Delivered by an experienced team of consultants, Future Matters provides a regional resource to collect and disseminate information on the major forces acting on the regional economy and society. Phil Shakeshaft of Future Matters, said: “The long term prosperity of the region depends our ability to innovate, anticipate change and prepare for the future. Our aim is to study the challenges and opportunities faced by the people of the North East and encourage a positive agenda for change.”

To have your say on issues that will affect the future of the North East, log on to http://www.futurematters.org.uk/passionate/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .