Wildcard
A concept in strategic foresight and anticipatory governance
An event that seems unlikely but would have large effects if it happened. Examples include the closure of a major regional employer or a sudden change in federal aid. Naming wildcards in advance shortens the time it takes to respond.
Background
Wildcards differ from trends because they arrive suddenly. The COVID-19 pandemic is a familiar recent example for colleges. Foresight practice does not try to predict wildcards. It looks at how exposed an institution would be if one occurred.
A question it raises
What unlikely event would change everything for us?
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