Research & Practice

Bill Sharpe approaches futures research as a reflective practice.  Every project is a research project. The goal is to put concepts to work in a way that helps a client tackle complex and fundamental questions that stand in the way of effective long range action.

There are some well known processes such as scenario planning that can be applied to many issues in long range thinking, but these are only really powerful when you can get a deep understanding of the underlying issues, and this usually requires fresh conceptual approaches.

In scenario practice Bill Sharpe has acted as lead editor for a book of new research and practice by members of the Oxford Futures Forum. See Scenarios for Success.

Bill is currently working with the International Futures Forum to explore a new integrative framework for futures work known as Three Horizons.

As part of his relationship with the Oxford Institute for Science, Innovation and Society at Oxford University Bill explores new research directions for the practice of Technology Foresight.

Normann Partners is a leading consultancy in strategy, scenarios and innovation.  Bill leads on technology practice as Director, Technology & Innovation.