Abstract

On the occasion of the 65th birthday of its founder and director, Prof. Dr. Rolf Kreibich, the IZT organised the colloquium "Futures research in the field of tension between visions and everyday action" on 6 December 2003. As the title of this event suggests, modern futures research moves between the poles of visionary visions of the future and real strategies and measures for shaping the future in society and the economy. The most important task of futures research is the development of scientific knowledge for orientation and action as a basis for rational decisions within the framework of probable, possible and desirable future options. In this field of tension, futurology at the IZT is committed above all to the goals of sustainable development, as expressed most clearly in the United Nations' Agenda 21. Sustainable development is highly dependent on social imagination and creative innovation: In order to promote and disseminate good ideas, the Institute for Futures Studies and Technology Assessment awards a Future Prize on relevant futurology topics. The topics relate to new models of prosperity and quality of life, key technologies, economic processes, new and democratic forms of political and administrative control as well as the development of sustainable ways of life and lifestyles and a hu-man culture. The prize was first awarded in 2004 on the occasion of Prof Dr Rolf Kreibich's 65th birthday and is to be awarded every two years in future. Each competition is dedicated to a central topic of futurology. The 2004 Future Prize has the theme "Engaged and productive with older people - concepts and initiatives" and is endowed with 3,000 euros. The staff of the IZT Berlin, June 2005

Authors

Kreibich, Rolf; Thio, She Liong