PolyFutures 2026: Reimagining Policymaking for Europe

📍 Brussels, Belgium

📅 20–21 April 2026

Hosted by the EU Policy Lab, PolyFutures 2026 brings together policymakers, futurists, designers, and behavioural scientists to explore how foresight and design can transform European policymaking.

Organised as part of the European Commission’s Knowledge4Policy platform, the event focuses on building long-term, future-oriented approaches to governance in an era defined by complexity and systemic challenges.

What is PolyFutures?

PolyFutures combines “poly” (many) with “futures” to emphasise a pluralistic understanding of the future — one shaped by multiple perspectives, possibilities, and ways of knowing.

It is both:

• A conceptual framework for thinking about the future

• A practical space for experimenting with new policymaking approaches

The event invites participants to rethink policymaking as something that is participatory, creative, and anticipatory, rather than reactive and short-term.

Focus

The 2026 edition centres on foresight and design for EU policymaking, encouraging participants to:

• Move beyond short-term policy cycles

• Anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities

• Integrate diverse perspectives (human and non-human, local and global)

• Develop more transformative and inclusive policy approaches

In the context of ongoing “polycrisis,” PolyFutures reframes complexity as a source of creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Format

The two-day event blends multiple formats designed for active engagement:

• Hands-on workshops and experiments

• Keynotes and conversations

• Storytelling and thematic sessions

• Creative walks

• Networking and exchange spaces

The emphasis is on learning by doing, allowing participants to experience foresight and design methods in practice.

Participation

PolyFutures is an invitation-only event, bringing together:

• Foresight experts and futurists

• Designers and innovation practitioners

• Behavioural scientists

• Policymakers and institutional actors

Outcomes, insights, and materials will be shared publicly after the event.

PolyFutures represents a growing shift in European governance — from predictive planning toward plural, participatory, and experimental approaches to shaping the future.