From today, we are Next25, building on ten years improving how Australia makes its future as Australian Futures Project. We remain independent, non-partisan, and non-profit. We thank everyone who has helped us get to this point, and acknowledge the significant support of La Trobe University from 2011 to 2020. We remain committed to ensuring Australia maximises and shares its success across current and future generations. Our new name reflects our focus on making the future Australia wants over the next 25 years — the span of a generation.
We know Australia can make the future it wants only with three strong pillars in place that (1) describe the desired future, (2) assess the future-making system’s capability, and (3) fix the system where it is found wanting. However, from deep engagement with the public, decision-makers, and experts, we have learned that each of these pillars is weak. Next25 is focused on strengthening them as shown in the diagram below.
PILLAR 1: DESIRED FUTURE
A comprehensive picture of the future Australia wants and whether we’re on track.
Next25 Navigator
We ask the public and experts to define and assess the public interest in Australia based on values, aspirations, responsibility to act, and ability to act. This means Australia knows what to celebrate, what to work on, and who to hold accountable. Updated and released annually.
PILLAR 2: SYSTEM ASSESSMENT
A clear diagnosis of whether the country has what it takes to create the future Australia wants and, if not, what more is needed.
Next25 Recoded
We engage decision-makers and experts to prioritise improvements to how Australia makes its future (we call this the future-making system). This enables focused effort on the best opportunities. Updated on a three-year cycle.
PILLAR 3: SYSTEM FIX
Ongoing action to fix Australia’s future-making system and keep it fit for purpose in a changing global context.
Next25 Solutions
We create improvements to the future-making system. Our first solution is Next25 Leadership (formerly known as the Parliamentary Leaders Program), strengthening the capability of Australia’s parliamentarians to respond to the challenges of the 21st Century and restore trust in the political system. Working with others, we will build more solutions informed by Next25 Recoded.
Finally, through our Services, we inspire and support all parts of the future-making system to contribute to Australia’s success. We inform the country about the future Australia wants, explain the state of the future-making system, and hold leaders accountable. We drive action with paid keynote speaking, facilitation, and strategic advice based on our data, insights, and expertise. Our clients come from all sectors and include governments, businesses, universities, philanthropists, and other non-profit organisations.
This is big. It requires curiosity, humility, and courage. Curiosity to ask difficult questions, humility to embrace great thinking from anywhere and courage to persist in the face of challenges. We are optimistic. We invite you to join with us and our catalytic supporters on this journey.
Together, let’s make the future Australia wants.