How can stories of the future change the here and now?

Future Narratives explores existing and emerging stories of future and their meaning for society. Like a seismologist looks for elastic waves through the earth, this research aims to locate tension fields, ripples and tears where future-relevant topics arise. These topics emerge in the form of narratives, woven into the fabric of cultural expression, may it be art, advertisement, journalism or science. The examination of such Future Narratives and their connection to certain technologies allows to draw conclusions about society, its wishes, its fears and its ability to transform. But the research of Future Narratives not only focusses on finding existing stories, but also on methods to create them.

What is a (Future) Narrative?

A narrative is a meaningful story – in the broadest sense. In structuralist literature theory, narratives are defined by a temporally organized sequence of actions in which an event changes the situation. A narrative can be told in the form of written word, visual means or any other form of communication and creative expression. In a sociological sense, a narrative is a shared image, that has the ability to transport and consolidate collective values, emotions and standards. The practice of sharing stories is a core element of human culture and forms a society’s believes and identity. Everybody acts on such believes, on fictions, if you will, things that only exist in a shared consciousness like moral values, laws or traditions. Narratives therefor play an important role in triggering and guiding change processes. Future Narratives are always stories about change.