The Digital Innovation Board launched three new foresight briefs during its third meeting on 1–2 October to help countries anticipate and prepare for coming challenges in the digital age.

Developed under the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development, these foresight briefs envision equitable futures, guide the development of future scenarios, and help shape digital ecosystems that are competitive and ready for emerging trends while positioning the Board as a global think tank.

They aim to equip stakeholders—including governments, corporates, academia, financial institutions, support networks, and innovators—with a futures-thinking approach to remain adaptable, sustainable, and prepared to navigate a rapidly changing world. They provide actionable insights to design resilient policies, programmes, and initiatives, translating long-term visions into practical strategies that drive inclusive digital growth and strengthen innovation ecosystems.

The idea for producing the briefs was approved during the Board’s second meeting, in October 2024.

About the foresight briefs

Shaping Education for Tomorrow explores how education systems can evolve in response to rapid technological and societal change. It highlights the need for inclusive policies, digital skills development, and resilient learning models that can adapt to uncertainty.

Shaping the Future of Startups and SMEs highlights the role of startups and small enterprises in driving innovation and inclusive growth in a connected world. It calls for supportive policies, better access to skills and finance, and adaptive ecosystems that help entrepreneurs scale and thrive amid global change.

Shaping the Future of an African VC Landscape examines how Africa’s venture capital ecosystem can evolve to drive inclusive growth and digital transformation in the region. It underscores the need for transparent capital flows, enabling policies, and resilient investment models that expand participation and unlock sustainable development.

Two additional foresight briefs were discussed by the Board and will be launched soon:

Creating Smarter Cities explores the future of smart cities and communities, and how emerging technologies can be harnessed to enhance quality of life and access to citizen services. It highlights the need for inclusive governance, resilient infrastructure, local capacity-building, and scalable innovations that advance growth, development, and sustainability for everyone.

Transforming Healthcare for Tomorrow looks at the future of healthcare and how innovation and emerging technologies can strengthen health systems to deliver universal, resilient, and equitable care. It highlights the importance of local ownership, global partnerships, affordable solutions, and ecosystem preparedness to ensure healthier lives for all.

Access the Foresight briefs series here.

This is an ITU Development #DigitalImpactUnlocked story