AAP/Bianca De Marchi
What if the key to better business planning isn't predicting what happens next, but preparing for what might?
For international foresight expert Dexter Docherty, preparing for the future is about challenging assumptions, exploring alternative scenarios and helping organisations make better decisions in an uncertain world.
As lead author of the OECD's Strategic Foresight Toolkit, Dexter works at the intersection of global change and strategic decision-making. On 12 November 2026, he'll bring this expertise to Adelaide as keynote speaker at the Adelaide Economic Development Agency's (AEDA) Leaders Forum: Shaping Adelaide's Next Decade, at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
Ahead of the forum, we explore why strategic foresight matters — and what Adelaide's business leaders should be thinking about now.
Three Questions with Dexter Docherty
What is the biggest mistake organisations make when planning?
Treating the future as a continuation of the present. When organisations rely too heavily on existing assumptions, they risk overlooking changes that could disrupt their markets, business models and growth. Effective planning starts by questioning those assumptions and considering what else could happen.
Why is predicting the future actually the wrong objective?
Because there is no single future to predict. Strategic foresight helps leaders explore multiple plausible futures and consider how their decisions might perform in each. As Dexter explains in his recent interview with InDaily, “The objective of foresight is not to predict or discover which single future will come to pass.” The goal is to be better prepared for whatever does.
What should an Adelaide CEO or executive be thinking about over the next decade?
From artificial intelligence and shifting global investment to workforce changes and geopolitics, leaders need to consider how global forces could reshape Adelaide's economy — and what that means for their organisation's future growth, resilience and competitive advantage.
Turning Foresight into Action
Strategic foresight combines horizon scanning, emerging trend analysis and scenario planning to help organisations look beyond immediate pressures. These approaches help leaders test strategies against different possible futures, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and make more informed long-term decisions.
At the AEDA Leaders Forum 2026, Dexter's international perspective will be complemented by practical, facilitated scenario planning with Professor Ariella Helfgott and the SA Futures team. Participants will explore possible futures for Adelaide's economy and consider what they mean for their own organisations.
Take Your Seat at the Table
More than a traditional conference, this is an opportunity to challenge your thinking, gain practical insights and connect with the leaders shaping Adelaide's future.
Bring your leadership team. Booking a table of 10 allows your team to work through scenarios together, test assumptions and explore how your strategy could stand up to different futures — creating a shared foundation for future decisions.
AEDA Leaders Forum 2026: Shaping Adelaide's Next Decade
- When: Thursday 12 November 2026, 11:30 am–5:00 pm, followed by networking drinks
- Where: Adelaide Festival Centre
Lunch, afternoon tea, and networking drinks are included.
Book now to ensure you have a seat at the table helping shape Adelaide's next decade.