More than 40 participants visited the „Trendlab" organized by the ScMI AG to try out creating robust strategies via the way of future scenarios. The event took place from 12th to 13th March at the Trendforum 2013 in Berlin where researchers of trend and future management as well as innovation experts and pioneers were meeting.

External scenarios about sustainability in Germany, which had been developed from the ScMI AG and the federal environmental agency during a past project, were used as the Trendlab's basis. Those pictures of the future were employed by the participants in such a way that an expectation area became visible. Then, the participants changed their perspective by discussing future options in small groups. In the end, they evaluated their options through alternative external scenarios.

Both the participants and the moderators of the ScMI AG considered the process and the results of the Trendlab positive. It became clear that future-open thinking within organizations should not be reduced to analyzing markets and industries but should also include actively considering option areas.

After those positive experiences in Berlin the ScMI AG will now introduce the Trendlab-format as an inhouse service for associations or organizations. Hanna Rammig, person responsible for training and seminar services, underlined: "Thereby, our customers are getting the opportunity to become acquainted with the way of thinking in scenarios within one or even a half day. Moreover, they can try out further steps developing more robust strategies to better support decision-making."