Strategy and Strategic Foresight

In our ongoing series of presentations on “New Sources of Economic Growth,” we are excited to present the focus for the second week: “Strategy and Strategic Foresight.” This presentation delves into the vital components of strategic planning, providing a comprehensive roadmap to steer Cambodia’s economic growth towards unparalleled heights.

Throughout the workshop, we have explored a wide range of topics crucial to understanding and cultivating economic growth. These include:

I. Fundamentals of Economic Growth

II. Strategy and Strategic Foresight

III. Management Strategy and Organization

IV. Economic Complexity

V. Innovation Policy

Last week, we laid the groundwork by exploring the fundamentals of economic growth, understanding its underlying principles and dynamics. Now, it’s time to equip ourselves with the essential tool of strategic foresight to craft a powerful roadmap for Cambodia’s future prosperity.

This presentation brings together a wealth of knowledge from renowned experts and thought leaders, presenting a comprehensive guide to develop robust strategies. The topics covered include:

The Origin of Strategy: We delve into seminal works by Bruce Henderson, Peter Drucker, and Michael Porter, gaining insights into the roots of strategic thinking and its evolution over time.

Good Strategy vs. Bad Strategy: Richard Rumelt’s exploration of the perils of bad strategy, coupled with Adam Brandenburger and Felix Oberholzer-Gee’s emphasis on the role of creativity in strategy, offers profound lessons for designing effective growth-oriented strategies.

Strategic Reasoning: The work of Blount Sally and Leinwand Paul uncovers the importance of purpose and reasoning in strategic decision-making, paving the way for more informed choices.

Strategic Foresight: Peter Scoblic and Angela Wilkinson’s contributions elucidate the power of envisioning multiple futures, allowing organizations to sense and adapt to change effectively.

As we progress through the presentation, we establish a clear distinction between a goal and a strategy, recognizing that a well-defined strategy is indispensable for achieving ambitious objectives. We uncover the five fundamental elements of strategic competition, empowering policymakers to act decisively in an ever-evolving economic landscape.

Moreover, we emphasize the significance of simplicity in strategy, guiding our attention towards the customer’s willingness-to-pay and the employee’s willingness-to-sell their services. Aligning these forces leads to value creation and enhances financial success, driving Cambodia towards becoming a competitive advantage in global markets.

Strategic foresight emerges as a transformative approach to navigate uncertainty, envision multiple futures, and challenge deep-rooted assumptions about the future. By developing plausible alternative scenarios, we can foster a learning process that reveals new perspectives on the present situation. Strategic foresight empowers leaders to ask better questions, make informed choices, and design more effective action plans.

Our journey into strategic foresight highlights various methodologies, such as megatrends analysis, scenario planning, and visioning, empowering leaders to create the future proactively. We underscore the significance of purposeful design, craftsmanship, collaboration, and humility in executing strategic foresight effectively.

As we continue exploring the art of strategic foresight, we urge policymakers and stakeholders to embrace this powerful tool. It redirects leadership attention from past experiences to prospective judgment, ensuring Cambodia’s bright future is shaped by informed decisions and creative thinking. Together, let us break barriers and propel Cambodia towards unprecedented economic growth and prosperity!

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