Snippets of Futures Thinking Approaches by Region 8 Research Managers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide data on "Snippets of Futures Thinking Approaches by Region 8 Research Managers" and to explore the relationship between years in service as research managers and their awareness of futures thinking approaches, their utilization of these approaches in their continuous learning practices, and the contributory factors that facilitated or hindered their adoption. A cross-sectional survey design was used in this study to collect snippets of information regarding the level of awareness, utilization, and contributing factors related to the adoption and utilization of a range of approaches for continuous learning among research managers in Region 8. The findings suggest that research managers who adopt futures thinking approaches are more likely to exhibit the factors contributing to their adoption (r = 0.510**, p = 0.002), indicating that fostering a conducive organizational environment, including strong leadership, a culture of innovation, and effective communication, is crucial for promoting futures ready in research management.