Higher education in Nordic countries: analyzing the construction of policy futures

Abstract

In this special issue, we analyze how societies in different countries have responded and continue to respond to the fact that the future is and has always been unpredictable and unforeseeable. The starting point for these studies is the recognition that the world situation is more complex than ever before due to current and foreseeable global challenges. The most serious of these threats and challenges are climate crises, natural disasters, and habitat degradation. To address the growing uncertainties arising from these challenges, societies around the world are placing increasing expectations on higher education and science, and are adopting proactive measures, such as various foresight techniques, to improve their preparedness and long-term resilience. In this special issue, we aim to provide fresh perspectives on foresight and preparedness for the future, especially in the Nordic context in the fields of higher education and scientific research. The special issue focuses on four Nordic countries-Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden-while maintaining a global perspective on the changes occurring around them.