Practicable Futures Research by Michael Has

Practicable Futures Research by Michael Has

In an age defined by uncertainty and transformation, this book was written to bridge the gap between Futures Studies and Sustainability Research, two fields that share a concern for long-term thinking yet often remain methodologically separate.
It introduces the conceptual and methodological foundations of Futures Studies and connects them with established approaches from sustainability science, economics, history, and the natural and social sciences. Readers are guided through core foresight methods such as trend analysis, scenario building, backcasting, and participatory tools, before exploring their intersections with models of resource availability, planetary boundaries, and adaptive systems. The book also integrates historical perspectives on growth, limits, and cultural evolution, providing a multidimensional understanding of how futures are shaped.
By combining analytical rigor with imaginative foresight, it equips researchers, practitioners, and students with interdisciplinary tools to address complex sustainability challenges and to envision more resilient, desirable futures.

After training as a skilled chemical worker, Michael Has studied physics at University of Regensburg and marketing at INSEAD in Fontainebleau. He received his doctorate in 1991 from the University of Regensburg in the field of biophysics with a thesis on pressure and temperature effects on hydrophobic interaction. At the FOGRA Institute in Munich, Dr Has headed the Innovation Research and Prepress departments.

After joining industry, he held senior and executive positions in research and development as well as in product line management and product strategy. He led several new product/portfolio developments and successful market entries in software and hardware.

In parallel to his industrial activities, Dr. Has habilitated at the Institut National Polytechnique of the University of Grenoble to become ´Maitre des Recherches` in 1998.

Since 1998 he has been teaching in Grenoble as Distinguished Professor. He also served as visiting Professor at Alpe Adria Universität Klagenfurt. Teaching topics included long term portfolio strategy and Sustainability. Starting with the analysis of the circular economy XE "circular economy"  of paper, he has been working on sustainability-issues since 2011. In this context, he deals with the assessment of data (KPIs, Footprints and Risks) including measures to reduce footprints and Eco-design XE "ecodesign"  and the generation of Non-Financial Reports. He consults companies and organizations on sustainability-related topics. In doing so, he worked with companies and products from very different sectors such as the automotive, chemical or printing industries.

His scientific work on industry development led to publications in numerous fields and led to several awards.
Dr. Has is a frequent speaker at international events and conferences.

In recognition of his contribution and his way of guiding students, he was appointed as a trusted lecturer of the Hans Böckler Foundation - the foundation of the German Trade Union Confederation. Dr Has heads the Foundation Diversity of Cultures of the World (Stiftung Vielfalt der Kulturen der Welt) - a foundation dealing with and supporting human rights activities and projects for ethnic and religious minorities.