CIGI 25th Anniversary: Policy Foresight Afternoon

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM EDT (UTC–04:00)
Public Event: Panel Discussion (In Person)
Sep
29
Event 2

This event brings together leaders and practitioners from across policy, defence, academia and industry for an engaging afternoon of discussion and insight.

The program will feature a keynote address by Kenneth Oye, “Forecasting Failure and Planned Adaptation,” exploring the challenges of anticipating complex risks and the importance of building resilience through strategic foresight and adaptive planning.

Following the keynote, attendees will hear from a distinguished Foresight in Defence panel moderated by Tracey Forrest. The discussion will bring together Wendy Gilmour, Scott Millar and Gabriele Rizzo, who will examine emerging trends, strategic uncertainties and the role of foresight in informing defence policy and decision-making in an increasingly complex global environment.

This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with experts, exchange ideas and explore how foresight can help organizations prepare for future challenges while identifying new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

Event Speakers

Professor of Political Science (School of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences) and Data Systems and Society (School of Engineering) and Director of the Program on Emerging Technologies (PoET) at MIT.

Former NATO Assistant Secretary General for Defence Investment

Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Department of National Defence, Government of Canada

Executive Partner at Longviews

Tracey Forrest is research director of transformative technologies at CIGI. She is a professional engineer and adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo, with domain experience across quantum, energy and technological innovation. She has held senior leadership roles with organizations and initiatives that support the impactful development and deployment of technology.