A scenario for writing creative scenarios

Abstract

This paper examines the elements of a pathway to writing the bold, innovative scenarios necessary to promote sustainable socio-ecological integration. Innovative scenarios incorporate three virtues essential to making knowledge systemically useful: creativity, collaboration, and communication. The main features of such a scenario-writing process include: (1) the effective integration of participants from a diverse array of disciplinary perspectives; (2) an integrated approach to defining problems as a system of interrelated structures, functions, and processes; (3) the collaborative learning required to synthesize a comprehensive understanding of the interrelated components and processes of the system containing the problem(s); (4) a process of co-writing that guides the alteration of socio-ecological systems to eliminate the problem(s); and (5) communication that clearly and persuasively conveys the message required to actualize resolution.