In the face of uncertainties and complexities that characterise rapidly evolving societies, the European Academy on Youth Work (EAYW) identified a pressing need to look beyond the present and anticipate the future.
The ‘Futures of Youth Work’ research report explores the evolving landscape of youth work in the context of emerging global challenges, including technological advancements, climate change, shifting demographics and changing societal values.
The project aspires to ‘envision’ the European landscape of youth work in the year 2050 through the Foresight methodology of Horizon Scanning. It also aims to equip the youth work sector with the insights and strategies needed to navigate an uncertain future while maintaining its core mission of empowering young people.
Research Methodology
The study employed foresight methods, including horizon scanning, expert interviews and scenario development, to explore potential futures for youth work by 2050. A diverse group of signal spotters and experts from various fields contributed to identifying a series of trends, drivers and scenarios that could shape the future of youth work.
The report identifies and describes different cross-cutting themes as well as scenarios and their potential impact on youth work.
Click on the image to download the report.
Conclusions
The ‘Futures of Youth Work’ report intends to serve as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue and action within the youth work sector. It emphasises the importance of collective care, systemic awareness and adaptability in preparing for an unpredictable future. By embracing these strategies, the youth work field can continue to empower young people and contribute positively to society in the decades to come.
Tools to use and engage with the research outcomes and futures-thinking in youth work practice
The EAYW team is currently developing tools that will help to develop future-thinking skills and to engage with and use the outcomes of this research in youth work practice.
You can already find:
Some short videos with experts who contributed to the research on our Youtube channel HERE.
Visual summaries of 3 webinars focusing on different aspects of futures-thinking, held in the frame of the 3rd EAYW, created by designer Mireille van Bremen:
-
- Futures of Youth Work trends and scenarios
- Competences needed to get future-ready (How future-ready are you?)
- Strategies for future-readiness
Window to the Future, a game that was developed in the frame of the last EAYW event (May 2024) to practise future-thinking skills, such as imagination, empathy, critical thinking and strategic thinking.