Mapping disruptive technologies and the future of education in the Prague Region
Client: Prague Innovation Institute
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Year: 2022
Focus: Strategic foresight, education policy, digital transformation
Strategic foresight to guide educational transformation in a digital age
Commissioned by the Prague Innovation Institute as part of the EU-supported Regional Action Plan III, this project examined how emerging and disruptive technologies are reshaping the future of education. Led by Dr. John Moravec and María Cristina Martínez Bravo, the research focused on the implications of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Industry 4.0 for primary and secondary education systems in the Prague region.
Approach
The study began with a meta-analysis of over 1,100 peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2022, exploring global academic discourse on disruptive technologies and education. Using network analysis tools, the team identified key patterns and clusters within the literature, which informed a set of strategic themes. These insights were then localized through participatory methods, including World Café-style stakeholder dialogues, to ensure relevance to the specific educational context in Prague.
The research process also included scenario planning, presenting four potential trajectories for education systems facing technological disruption: missing the boat, arriving late, arriving just on time, or shaping the future proactively. These scenarios were used to frame actionable conversations with local policymakers, school leaders, and innovation stakeholders.
Deliverables
The project produced a public-facing research paper as well as a talk at an education-focused event, detailing both the global trends and localized implications of disruptive change. These documents mapped out four strategic clusters: aligning national education strategies with global ecosystems, accelerating digital transformation in schools, rethinking the purpose and philosophy of educational organizations, and preparing actors and systems to thrive in disruptive times. The project also supported the ongoing development of a mobile engagement tool—the Knowmad Café—for regional data collection and stakeholder engagement.
Impact
This work contributed directly to shaping the strategic direction of education in Prague. It provided a rigorous foundation for policy development, grounded in foresight and systems thinking, and offered tools to support a more agile, innovation-ready education system. Beyond the Czech context, the findings also added to global conversations around the future of education, particularly in urban regions positioning themselves as leaders in digital transformation and knowledge-based development.
