Program content
Program content
This program is structured around three core modules that guide participants from understanding today’s global landscape to shaping future-oriented strategies. Alongside this academic journey, participants become part of the GESDA Anticipatory Leadership Week, an exclusive ecosystem of high-level events taking place at IE and across Madrid, where they will engage with business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and experts at the intersection of science, technology, and global affairs.
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MODULE 1: KNOW THE WORLD TODAY
Develop a shared understanding of the key global dynamics and trends shaping today’s world, creating a common foundation to align diverse perspectives and priorities.
Sessions:
- Anticipatory science diplomacy
In a context of rapid scientific and technological change, learn how to anticipate emerging trends and gain visibility on what is coming in the next 5, 10 and 25 years using tools such as the GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar, identifying key implications and opportunities. - The new global context
Explore the current economic, geopolitical, environmental and security landscape, as well as major demographic and societal trends. - Technology governance and geopolitics
Understand how policies and regulatory frameworks shape the development and use of technology, and how global competition for technological leadership impacts stability and business. - The scientific advisory and technology foresight offices of the world's most advanced governments
Discover how leading governments translate emerging science into policy through advisory and foresight structures.
- Anticipatory science diplomacy
MODULE 2: THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL FRONTIERS
Learn the future of emerging science and technology, and how this might impact on society, geopolitics and economics. Business opportunities and challenges.
Sessions:
- AI, digital technologies and Quantum. The Quantum ecosystem global landscape. Applications of AI& Quantum technologies. Computing, communication, simulation, metrology & sensing. Impact on other sectors (agriculture, health, industry, ...).
- Climate, environment and energy. Decarbonization. Ecosystems restoration and augmentation. Geoengineering. Earth systems modelling. Al for Earth. Renewable energies. Smart agriculture. Future of Food Systems. Water technologies. Ocean stewardship.
- Health, human augmentation and neurotechnology. Human applications of genetic engineering. Health extension. Future therapeutics.
- Biotechnology and synthetic biology. CRISPR, bioprinting, agricultural biotechnology, bio-based materials.
- Space technologies. Advanced propulsion systems. Space-based solar systems and manufacturing. Space mining. Satellite technology for quantum communications and Earth observation.
MODULE 3: ACTION TO IMPACT: MASTERING STRATEGIC EXECUTION
Develop practical leadership skills to navigate and shape the future of technology, translating insights into action within your organization.
Sessions:
- Preparatory online session: Futures thinking
Learn key tools such as foresight, horizon scanning, backcasting, and how to navigate non-linearity, exponential change, and systems thinking. - Anticipatory Advocacy: Managing Geopolitics in Corporate Government Affairs
Understand how to identify relevant geopolitical and regulatory signals, define strategic positioning, and design effective advocacy responses. - Multilateral negotiations
Develop strategies and tactics to manage complex, multi-party negotiations and achieve win-win outcomes. - Experiential learning: Role-play on quantum diplomacy
Apply concepts in a hands-on simulation focused on real-world challenges. - Final double session: Personal Anticipatory Leadership Action Plan
Design a practical, forward-looking roadmap to apply what you’ve learned in your organization, while building the skills needed to engage with and influence stakeholders in complex, international environments.
- Preparatory online session: Futures thinking
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core content covered in the Anticipatory Leadership Program?
The curriculum is built around three core modules: first, understanding today’s global context including geopolitical, demographic, and technological trends; second, exploring frontier technologies like AI, quantum, biotech, climate engineering, and space systems; and third, strategic foresight skills including backcasting, governance frameworks, systemic thinking, simulations, and the development of a personal anticipatory leadership action plan. Each module integrates futures labs, role-play, and policy design tools.