Anticipatory Leadership: Policy and Strategy for Disruptive Technologies

IE Business School

Leadership

About Programme

In today's rapidly evolving scientific landscape, leaders must not only adapt to change, they must anticipate it. The Anticipatory Leadership: Policy and Strategy for Disruptive Technologies program is an experience designed to equip forward-thinking professionals with the strategic frameworks, policy tools, and futures literacy needed to lead responsibly in the face of disruption.

Participants will gain privileged access to the GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar®, a powerful foresight tool that identifies high-impact scientific advances on the horizon. Through immersive case studies, policy simulations, and hands-on strategy labs, you'll explore breakthrough technologies such as AI, quantum computing, neurotech, biotechnology, climate engineering, and space exploration, and evaluate their ethical, political, and societal implications.

You will also gain direct insight into how the scientific advisory and technology foresight offices of the world's most advanced governments translate emerging science into policy, offering a rare, inside perspective on the institutional architectures that are shaping tomorrow's regulatory and strategic landscape.

Building on this unique access, you will learn to apply techniques like strategic foresight, systems thinking, backcasting, and anticipatory governance to develop a personalized roadmap aligned with your leadership context and policy environment.

Sessions are led by leading faculty and global experts at the intersection of science, technology, and diplomacy.

In a world defined by uncertainty and accelerating change, the ability to anticipate what’s next is no longer a differentiator, it’s a strategic imperative. This program equips you to move ahead of disruption and turn foresight into a lasting competitive advantage.

Programme Content

This program is structured around three core modules that guide participants from understanding today’s global landscape to shaping future-oriented strategies. Alongside this academic journey, participants become part of the GESDA Anticipatory Leadership Week, an exclusive ecosystem of high-level events taking place at IE and across Madrid, where they will engage with business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and experts at the intersection of science, technology, and global affairs.

One of the program’s signature experiences is an exclusive visit to La Moncloa, including the National Office of Foresight (ONAC), where participants will gain privileged insights into how anticipatory governance and strategic foresight shape Spain’s long-term policy agenda.

Scroll down to explore the modules.

MODULE 1: KNOW THE WORLD TODAY

Develop a shared understanding of the key global dynamics and trends shaping today’s world, creating a common foundation to align diverse perspectives and priorities.

Sessions:

Anticipatory science diplomacyIn a context of rapid scientific and technological change, learn how to anticipate emerging trends and gain visibility on what is coming in the next 5, 10 and 25 years using tools such as the GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar, identifying key implications and opportunities.

The new global contextExplore the current economic, geopolitical, environmental and security landscape, as well as major demographic and societal trends.

Technology governance and geopoliticsUnderstand how policies and regulatory frameworks shape the development and use of technology, and how global competition for technological leadership impacts stability and business.

The scientific advisory and technology foresight offices of the world's most advanced governmentsDiscover how leading governments translate emerging science into policy through advisory and foresight structures.

MODULE 2: THE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL FRONTIERS

Learn the future of emerging science and technology, and how this might impact on society, geopolitics and economics. Business opportunities and challenges.

Sessions:

AI, digital technologies and Quantum. The Quantum ecosystem global landscape. Applications of AI& Quantum technologies. Computing, communication, simulation, metrology & sensing. Impact on other sectors (agriculture, health, industry, ...).

Climate, environment and energy. Decarbonization. Ecosystems restoration and augmentation. Geoengineering. Earth systems modelling. Al for Earth. Renewable energies. Smart agriculture. Future of Food Systems. Water technologies. Ocean stewardship.

Health, human augmentation and neurotechnology. Human applications of genetic engineering. Health extension. Future therapeutics.

Biotechnology and synthetic biology. CRISPR, bioprinting, agricultural biotechnology, bio-based materials.

Space technologies. Advanced propulsion systems. Space-based solar systems and manufacturing. Space mining. Satellite technology for quantum communications and Earth observation.

MODULE 3: ACTION TO IMPACT: MASTERING STRATEGIC EXECUTION

Develop practical leadership skills to navigate and shape the future of technology, translating insights into action within your organization.

Sessions:

Preparatory online session: Futures thinkingLearn key tools such as foresight, horizon scanning, backcasting, and how to navigate non-linearity, exponential change, and systems thinking.

Anticipatory Advocacy: Managing Geopolitics in Corporate Government AffairsUnderstand how to identify relevant geopolitical and regulatory signals, define strategic positioning, and design effective advocacy responses.

Multilateral negotiationsDevelop strategies and tactics to manage complex, multi-party negotiations and achieve win-win outcomes.

Experiential learning: Role-play on quantum diplomacyApply concepts in a hands-on simulation focused on real-world challenges.

Final double session: Personal Anticipatory Leadership Action PlanDesign a practical, forward-looking roadmap to apply what you’ve learned in your organization, while building the skills needed to engage with and influence stakeholders in complex, international environments.

Programme Audience

Senior executives, strategists, and decision-makers who operate at the intersection of technology, business, and society.

Leaders who play a pivotal role in ensuring that their organizations adapt to rapid technological shifts but also leverage them to drive innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.

Officials working in ministries, multilateral organizations, and agencies that operate at the intersection of disruptive technologies and policymaking.

Senior researchers and leaders of prominent science and technology networks.