Research & Foresight
Harnessing data and trends to anticipate, co-create, and thrive in the futures of higher education.
What is foresight?
Strategic foresight is a structured approach to exploring the future of higher education. It broadens leaders’ perspectives, helping institutions navigate complexity, set long‑term strategies, and strengthen resilience and adaptability.
Leaders use foresight to identify emerging opportunities, spark innovation, and guide their institutions through continuous change.
Benefits of Foresight
Strategic Agility
Make swift, informed decisions that enable your organization to respond proactively to new challenges and opportunities.
Continuous Capacity Building
Strengthen learning and development to support long‑term organizational resilience.
Sustainable Future Preparedness
De-risk the future by staying responsive to emerging trends and seizing opportunities.
What We Offer
Want to bring strategic foresight to your institution?
Our Impact
Below are some of the opportunities and risks we’ve identified for the postsecondary sector:
AI Influence
August 2025
Identified that AI is changing how students find information online and that institutions must change their marketing strategies to stay visible and trusted.
In April 2026 major news outlets are reporting on this same phenomenon.
January 2025
Published a catalogue of Funding Mechanisms that postsecondary institutions can use to raise new revenue.
In 2026, new revenue is needed across the sector.
July 2024
Created artifacts from the futures of higher education, which are imaginary objects that are designed by extrapolating the possibilities of the trends we see today.
May 2026 Arizona State University has built ‘Atom’ which mirrors the capabilities of these technologies.
June 2023
Identified the strategic discontinuation of lower-value activities as a means of enhancing institutional flexibility and optimizing resource allocation.
Throughout 2026 programs, tools, and processes are being cut across institutions.
November 2022
Illustrated the economic precarity of postsecondary institutions, with emphasis on international students and working arrangements.
In January 2024 changes were made to International Student Program.
May 2021
Encouraged the sector to watch for advancements in AI, especially with respect to equity, biases, and the need for training.
ChatGPT launched in November 2022.
Current Projects
We work across institutions and with sector partners to explore complex topics impacting higher education. Here is what we’re currently working on:
eCampusOntario Strategic Plan 2027-2030
eCampusOntario is developing a strategic plan informed by stakeholder engagement, environmental scanning, and strategic foresight. Share your insights to support a plan that reflects sector priorities.
Participate
Ontario’s AI Advantage
eCampusOntario is researching AI-enabled futures, identifying how AI can create new opportunities for Ontario’s post-secondary institutions, learners, and workforce.
Credentialing Futures
eCampusOntario is working with an institution to uncover what’s next in credentialing through foresight, research, and strategy.
Learn more
Education at the Horizon: Scan Club
Education at the Horizon is a free virtual webinar that introduces foresight to teams who want to explore change and prepare for what’s ahead.
Learn more
Foresight Trend Dashboard
The Foresight Trend Dashboard transforms horizon scanning insights into trends that explore how higher education futures may unfold.
In the Field
We’re headed to events across Canada to discuss how research and foresight is building new visions of what’s possible in higher education.
Join us