Forsight Strategy

While competitive intelligence generally focuses on the near term future, Foresight Strategy, also known as Futures Studies, uses predictive modeling and trend analyses to look five, ten and even twenty years out.  

Until recently Foresight/Future studies were limited to academia and think tanks; however in the late 1990s corporations began to realize the value of this relatively unknown discipline.  Today there are a number of firms and independent consultants that specialize in Future Studies, working with companies ranging from start-ups to multinational conglomerates.

Sedulo recognizes the value of Future Studies in it’s commonly practiced from; however we believe there is a way to deliver clients a more accurate and relevant picture of the future. 

Generally future models are built on readily accessible information that is obtained through publicly available secondary research.  While this information may provide a basic understanding of an industry, technology or competitor, it lacks the insight and depth that can be gained from primary source intelligence.

Sedulo uniquely combines the predictive modeling tools and trend analysis used in Future Studies, with the primary source intelligence collection and analysis used in Competitive and Market Intelligence. 

This unique approach to Foresight Strategy produces a single powerfully predictive tool that provides actionable intelligence for long-term strategic planning support.

Led by Jacques Matteau, a pioneer in corporate Future Studies, Sedulo Group is the only Competitive Intelligence firm in the country to offer a dedicated Foresight Strategy practice.

Please contact our Foresight Strategy group to discuss how Sedulo can provide your organization with a view of your Probable Future as well as help you develop and action plan for attaining your Preferred Future. ^ Back to Top

Project Highlight

The futures of  telecom

In 2002 Perspicacité de Stratégie, now part of Sedulo Group, was asked by a French Telecom company to develop a set of futures scenarios for the telecom company and the industry.   The foresight study was designed to look five and ten years out and include Possible, Probable and Preferred futures.

Led by Jacques Matteau, Perspicacité de Stratégie developed a series of alternative future scenarios using both qualitative and quantitative predictive modeling techniques.  The data used in the modeling was a combination of information provided by the client and intelligence gathered by Matteau’s research team.  The result was a series of alternative futures that very clearly demonstrated the disparity between the probable future and the client’s preferred future. 

In addition to the scenarios, Perspicacité de Stratégie worked with a number of industry experts to provide the client with a plan of action designed to stimulate the change necessary to achieve its Preferred Future.  The plan included broad regulatory, technology, marketing, competitive and strategic initiatives. 

Using the models and recommendations of Perspicacité de Stratégie’s, the telecom company launched a series of R&D initiatives to strengthen its mobile and ISP offerings while simultaneous developing and executing a brand strengthening campaign.  Within five years, the French telecom company had expanded its service offering throughout Europe and established one the most recognized brands in the industry.