Strategy

The process for developing the second ICSU Strategic Plan, 2012–2017, was initiated at the 29th General Assembly in October 2008, with the presentation of a briefing document to ICSU Members. ICSU's Committee on Scientific Planning and Review (CSPR) is developing this plan building on the current plan and on several other sources of strategic input, including:

• outcomes of an initial round of consultation with ICSU Members in December 2008;
• the ongoing Earth system visioning process;
• the ad hoc strategic review of ICSU’s role in science education; and
• reviews of the ICSU Regional Offices.

In addition, CSPR has initiated a second foresight analysis that explores scenarios for the development of international science over the next 20 years and provides the 'long view' to complement the nearer-term view provided by the other inputs.

Background

An independent in-depth assessment of ICSU was completed in 1996 and resulted in several key changes, including the establishment of the Committee on Scientific Planning and Review (CSPR). This assessment encouraged ICSU to evolve from its original function of principally helping its Members (Unions and National Members) achieve their own individual objectives, to assuming a more proactive and strategic role in addressing key international interdisciplinary issues of importance for science and society.

In response to this assessment, ICSU conducted an extensive prioritorization and evaluation process. Under the aegis of CSPR, a meta-analysis of national foresight studies was conducted in 2002 and provided the basis for a consultation with all ICSU Members to identify new emerging issues. Several ad hoc expert groups were also established to carry out strategic Priority Area Assessments (PAAs) of key areas. A strategic review of the Science and Society Rights and Responsibilities was initiated by the Executive Board and several other strategic initiatives, principally in relation to sustainable development and energy were initiated. The combined outcomes from all of these activities were integrated into an overall six-year strategic plan which was approved by the 28th ICSU General Assembly in October 2005.

Resources

• Foresight Analysis webpage
• List of ICSU strategic reports and reviews 2002-2006
• Briefing document for second Strategic Plan, 2012-2017
• Strategic Plan 2006-2011
• Assessment : ICSU Assessment report, 1996