Anticipatory Governance: Analysis of Concept, Position, and Implications

Document Type : Article

Author

PhD Student of Future Studies, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Management, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran - Researcher, Institute for Security and Progress Studies

10.30497/rmg.2025.248296.1027

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of Anticipatory Governanceas a new model of governance. The analysis defines governance as a broad, interdisciplinary guiding activity that engages multiple stakeholders beyond traditional governance and defines foresight as a systematic process of envisioning alternative futures in order to inform current actions to build desired futures. Predictive governance, as a combination of these concepts, is presented as a proactive and forward-looking decision-making approach that continuously examines potential changes. The analysis positions Anticipatory Governanceas a distinct model that moves beyond reactive and some traditional proactive approaches by embracing uncertainty and focusing on long-term challenges. Key components discussed include foresight, networked systems, feedback loops, capacity building, policy integration, partnerships, data/technology use and monitoring experiments. These concepts highlight potential benefits such as improved policymaking and navigating complexity, alongside challenges such as short-termism and data governance issues. Therefore, this paper attempts to briefly explore this concept using a descriptive analytical method.

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History

  • Receive Date: 18 May 2025
  • Revise Date: 15 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 15 July 2025

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