FYI Future-Ready Youth Information Systems: Evidence Based Policy Recommendations

Aims of the tool

The aim of the tool is to translate youth perspectives on future societal challenges into evidence-based policy recommendations. It supports decision-makers, educational institutions, youth organisations and local authorities in developing more inclusive, participatory and future-oriented youth information systems. It focuses on future skills, digital transformation, youth participation, well-being, social inclusion, youth-led innovation and structural conditions shaping young people’s futures.

Description of the tool

This learning tool introduces youth-informed foresight as a practical approach for developing future-ready youth information systems and evidence-based policy recommendations. It is based on insights gathered from young people, youth workers and project partners across five European countries: Slovenia, Slovakia, Estonia, Bulgaria and Cyprus.

The tool helps learners understand how young people perceive future societal challenges and how their perspectives can be translated into more inclusive, participatory and forward-looking policies. It explores key policy areas such as future-oriented education, digital transformation, youth participation, well-being, social inclusion, community support, youth-led innovation, sustainability and structural conditions affecting young people’s futures.

Through the tool, learners become familiar with participatory foresight methods such as scenario building, backcasting, dialogue and consultation. It supports reflection on long-term societal trends and shows how youth-generated insights can inform decision-making at local, national and European levels.

Learning outcomes

After using this tool, learners will be able to:

- Understand the concept and value of youth-informed foresight.
- Explain how young people’s perspectives can support more responsive and future-oriented policymaking.
- Identify key future challenges affecting young people, including digitalisation, education, labour market changes, environmental pressures, well-being and social inclusion.
- Recognise the importance of meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes.
- Analyse youth needs and priorities across different national contexts.
- Understand how participatory methods such as scenario building, backcasting and structured dialogue can be used in youth work and policy development.
- Connect youth-generated insights with concrete policy areas and recommendations.
- Reflect on the role of youth information systems in preparing young people for future challenges.
- Support the development of inclusive, evidence-based and youth-centred policy proposals.
- Recognise young people not only as policy beneficiaries, but as active contributors to policy design and social change.