Abstract

Anticipation refers to the many ways the future as a concept, and a dimension in our mental maps, is used for making informed decisions in the present. In this chapter, we introduce the long-term socioeconomic cycle framework, known as the Kondratieff wave theory, as a central anticipatory tool for understanding large-scale socioeconomic change. We present the K-waves theory in brief, focusing especially on the implications of the systemic reorganization for the social practices in each new wave. We then continue on to demonstrate how the K-waves framework can be used for anticipating the drivers for the next, sixth Kondratieff wave. Building on empirical data from networked, human-centric organizations, we explore a potential paradigm shift in the anticipatory practices for the next wave. We argue that the K-waves framework can be used for understanding the history and development of how societies change friom past to future in dynamic patterns. We conclude by outlining the key features of this new foresight paradigm we call reflexive foresight.