The Thinking Ahead Academic Program is a pioneering initiative of the Institute for Strategy and Complexity Management (ISCM), created to empower the next generation of leaders and decision-makers in mastering the complexities of strategic planning and scenario visualization. Launched as part of ISCM’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, the program is a testament to the Institute’s legacy of fostering innovation and resilience in complex project environments.
Purpose and Vision
The Thinking Ahead Academic Program is about more than just strategy; it is about shaping a future where decision-making is informed, collaborative, and aligned with global sustainability goals. This program equips participants with the tools to:

Analyze Complex Scenarios: Understand and model the interconnected dynamics of large-scale, capital-intensive projects.

Foster Collaboration: Work across public and private sectors to deliver ESG-aligned solutions that are environmentally responsible and socially impactful.

Develop Strategic Foresight: Anticipate challenges and opportunities with a structured, systems-thinking approach to scenario planning.
Key Features

Simulation-Based Learning:
Using ISCM’s VPM framework, participants engage in simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, empowering them to co-create solutions and navigate intricate challenges.

Focus on ESG and Green Standards:
Projects are designed to meet sustainability and environmental compliance standards, ensuring alignment with global goals.

Hands-On Work-Study Opportunities:
Students collaborate with universities, governments, and businesses to gain practical experience in systemic thinking, financial modeling, and project management.

Stakeholder-Centric Approach:
The program integrates stakeholder perspectives, fostering ownership, accountability, and alignment in decision-making processes.

A Legacy of Excellence
As the dedicated think tank of the ISCM Foundation, the ISCM Institute has spent two decades transforming the way leaders approach decision-making. Its methodologies have guided governmental and business leaders worldwide in managing risks, building confidence, and achieving sustainable outcomes.
Through the Thinking Ahead Academic Program, ISCM expands its mission to tertiary education institutions, empowering students to become catalysts of change and innovation. By blending academic rigor with practical application, the program ensures that participants graduate with not only knowledge but also the confidence and skills needed to navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s world.
Join us in visualizing a sustainable, collaborative, and strategically resilient future—one decision at a time.