AnticipaLead – Leadership in an Uncertain Future

How can we make decisions today when the technological and societal conditions of tomorrow may look fundamentally different?

AnticipaLead is an interactive serious game that invites leaders and teams to simulate future decision-making situations and reflect on the consequences of different courses of action. The game combines strategic foresight with leadership, allowing participants to experience complex challenges within alternative future scenarios.

The project was jointly developed by the Bavarian Foresight-Institute at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt and armasuisse Science & Technology / deftech. Building on the AnticipaTech Scenario Game, it extends the approach of exploring alternative futures to leadership challenges and decision-making under uncertainty.

Technological change is transforming the conditions under which leadership takes place. New opportunities emerge alongside uncertainty, interdependencies, and ethical challenges. Decisions often need to be made with incomplete information and competing priorities.

AnticipaLead provides a setting in which participants can explore these situations without real-world consequences. The game encourages perspective-taking, reflection on conflicting objectives, and discussion of what responsible leadership might require under uncertain future conditions.

The game places participants in a possible future scenario in which emerging technologies change the conditions for organisational decision-making.

1. Explore the Scenario and Perspectives

Participants begin by immersing themselves in a possible future through a scenario description and audio introduction. They can assume predefined leadership roles representing different priorities and approaches to decision-making or play from their own professional perspectives.

2. Explore Future Technologies

Technology cards introduce new developments and challenges into the scenario. During each round, participants discuss how these technologies could affect organisations, leadership responsibilities, and decision-making processes.

3. Make and Reflect on Decisions

Using two interconnected canvases, teams discuss possible responses, make leadership decisions, and reflect on their consequences. Differences in priorities, decision-making approaches, and interpretations of responsible leadership become visible throughout the process.

AnticipaLead supports reflection on future leadership challenges and the potential implications of emerging technologies. The game encourages participants to question established decision-making routines, recognise conflicting objectives, and jointly evaluate different courses of action.

The format is designed for executives, management teams, and strategic decision-makers across business, government, and other organisational contexts. It is particularly suitable for leadership development, strategic workshops, and discussions on future transformation challenges.

All game materials are available free of charge. AnticipaLead is designed for groups of 4-7 participants, with a typical session lasting 60-120 minutes. No external moderator is required. If you are interested in a guided workshop, please feel free to reach out (foresight@thi.de).

Our interactive download website will guide you through the materials so you can choose the version that fits best to your needs and context.

The configurator automatically assembles the appropriate game package. Depending on your selection, it includes game canvases, role and technology cards, scenario materials, name tags, scenario audio, and a Quickstart Guide.

The website also provides printing instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions. Game materials are available in German, English, Italian and French.

Project partners: armasuisse Science & Technology / deftech

Duration: 04/25 - 03/26

Origins: Developed as a continuation of the joint AnticipaTech Scenario Game, with a stronger focus on future leadership and strategic decision-making.