Scotland’s Futures Forum: 2025 in Review
20 Years of Impact
2025 marked a significant milestone for Scotland’s Futures Forum. Over two decades, the Forum has served as a space for long-term thinking, encouraging discussion on Scotland’s possible futures. This anniversary provided an opportunity not only to celebrate past achievements but also to imagine what the next 20 years might hold.
Readers can explore our extensive archive of reports, events, and thought pieces by subject. Browse our archive to discover more.
AI in Education
Throughout 2025, Scotland’s Futures Forum continued its exploration of the role of artificial intelligence in education and learning. Our work has focussed on three core principles: ethics, equity, and collaboration. These themes have guided discussions on how technology can support inclusive and responsible educational futures.
Honouring Sir George Reid
This year also brought a moment of sadness. In the summer, we learned of the passing of Sir George Reid, former Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament and founding chair of Scotland’s Futures Forum. His vision shaped the Forum’s purpose and his legacy continues to inspire our commitment to constructive dialogue.
It is not for the Forum to make policy. What the Forum does is pose questions, and it’s up to the politicians to provide the answers.”
Sir George Reid, August 2005
Festival of Politics 2025
In August, the Forum partnered with the Scottish Parliament once more to deliver a series of events as part of the Festival of Politics. These sessions addressed pressing questions on the future of health, AI in politics, local government, and future social solutions. Full recordings of these discussions are available to watch in our Festival of Politics collection.
Launching our new blog “Looking Beyond”
Autumn saw the launch of our new blog, Looking Beyond, featuring contributions from our team and guest writers. This blog aims to provide a medium through which we can explore a variety of future’s thinking together.
The blog is available here, on our website and on our new Substack feed.
Collaboration
We have been thrilled to work alongside some incredible partners in 2025. Working together to bring experts across sectors to host panel discussions, seminars, and workshops, fostering shared learning and innovative approaches to Scotland’s future challenges and opportunities.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The coming year will bring a new intake of Members of the Scottish Parliament, opening opportunities for fresh dialogue on Scotland’s long-term prospects. We look forward to working with new MSPs alongside our partners, and experts across sectors to explore both the opportunities and challenges of our possible futures.
