Futures

Scope & Guideline

Transforming Ideas into Tomorrow's Solutions

Introduction

Welcome to the Futures information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Futures, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0016-3287
PublisherELSEVIER SCI LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1968 to 2024
AbbreviationFUTURES / Futures
Frequency10 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address125 London Wall, London EC2Y 5AS, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Futures' serves as a multidisciplinary platform focusing on the exploration and examination of future possibilities across various domains, emphasizing the importance of foresight in addressing contemporary global challenges. It is dedicated to advancing knowledge in futures studies, scenario planning, and participatory methodologies to foster transformative change and sustainability.
  1. Futures Studies and Scenario Planning:
    The journal emphasizes the development and application of futures studies methodologies, including scenario planning, to facilitate understanding and preparation for potential future developments across social, environmental, and technological landscapes.
  2. Sustainability and Environmental Futures:
    Research published in 'Futures' often addresses sustainability challenges, exploring innovative solutions and pathways to achieve sustainable futures in various contexts, including urban planning, agriculture, and climate change mitigation.
  3. Participatory Approaches and Community Engagement:
    A significant focus is placed on participatory methodologies that involve stakeholders in the foresight process, enabling diverse voices to shape future narratives and enhance collective decision-making.
  4. Interdisciplinary Perspectives:
    The journal promotes interdisciplinary research that integrates insights from various fields such as sociology, economics, environmental science, and technology studies, fostering a holistic understanding of future challenges.
  5. Ethics and Social Justice in Future Making:
    'Futures' addresses ethical considerations and social justice issues related to future scenarios, advocating for inclusive and equitable approaches to future planning and decision-making.
The journal 'Futures' has seen a rise in various innovative themes and interdisciplinary approaches, reflecting current global concerns and the evolving nature of futures studies. These emerging themes are critical for researchers and practitioners alike as they navigate the complexities of future planning.
  1. Climate Resilience and Adaptation:
    Recent publications increasingly focus on climate resilience strategies, emphasizing the need for adaptive approaches to mitigate the impacts of climate change on communities and ecosystems.
  2. Social Justice and Equity in Futures Planning:
    There is a growing trend towards integrating social justice and equity considerations into futures research, ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in the decision-making processes.
  3. Technological Impact and Ethics:
    Emerging discussions around the ethical implications of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, are gaining traction, reflecting a critical examination of their societal impacts.
  4. Decolonizing Futures Studies:
    A notable increase in research aimed at decolonizing futures studies is evident, focusing on indigenous knowledge systems and alternative epistemologies to inform future narratives.
  5. Urban Futures and Sustainable Development:
    The journal is increasingly addressing urban futures, exploring sustainable urban development through innovative practices like participatory planning and nature-based solutions.

Declining or Waning

While 'Futures' continues to thrive in several research areas, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence over recent years. This waning focus may reflect shifts in societal priorities or the evolving landscape of futures studies.
  1. Traditional Economic Growth Models:
    There appears to be a decreasing emphasis on traditional economic growth paradigms, as the journal increasingly critiques such models in favor of sustainability and degrowth approaches.
  2. Technological Determinism:
    Research that uncritically embraces technological advancements without considering their societal implications is less frequently published, signaling a shift towards more nuanced discussions around technology's role in shaping futures.
  3. Single-Disciplinary Approaches:
    The journal has moved away from studies that isolate a single discipline in examining future scenarios, favoring interdisciplinary research that combines insights from multiple fields.
  4. Futures of Conventional Energy Sources:
    Papers focusing on the future of conventional energy sources like fossil fuels have declined, as the discourse increasingly centers around renewable energy and sustainable alternatives.
  5. Short-term Projections without Contextual Analysis:
    There is a noticeable reduction in studies that offer short-term projections without deep contextual analysis, as the journal encourages comprehensive explorations of complex systems over simplistic forecasts.

Similar Journals

Geography and Sustainability

Advancing Knowledge for a Sustainable World.
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: 2096-7438Frequency: 4 issues/year

Geography and Sustainability is a prestigious, peer-reviewed journal published by Elsevier, focusing on the interdisciplinary fields of geography, ecology, and environmental science. As an Open Access publication since 2020, it aims to provide a platform for the dissemination of high-quality research that addresses critical sustainability challenges facing our planet. Based in China, the journal navigates through an impressive array of categories, all classified in the Q1 Quartile rankings for 2023, showcasing its top-tier status in areas such as Earth-Surface Processes, Geography, Planning and Development, and Nature and Landscape Conservation. With its notable impact factors—ranked 2nd in Earth and Planetary Sciences and 3rd in Environmental Science—it attracts contributions from leading experts and emerging scholars alike. Researchers, professionals, and students seeking to advance the scientific understanding of sustainability and its geographical implications will find indispensable resources and innovative findings within the pages of this journal.

Bitacora Urbano Territorial

Unlocking the Complexities of Urban Life and Space
Publisher: UNIV NACL COLOMBIAISSN: 0124-7913Frequency: 2 issues/year

Bitacora Urbano Territorial is an esteemed open-access journal published by Universidad Nacional de Colombia, dedicated to advancing research in the intricate fields of urban studies, geography, and the arts and humanities. Since its inception in 2009, this journal has become a vital platform for academics, practitioners, and students alike in analyzing and addressing the multifaceted dimensions of urbanization, spatial planning, and territorial development. With an evolving focus and a commitment to fostering scholarly dialogue, Bitacora Urbano Territorial proudly holds a Q2 ranking in Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) and Q3 rankings in both Geography, Planning and Development and Urban Studies, reflecting its growing impact within the academic community. The journal welcomes contributions that explore innovative research, case studies, and theoretical advancements, providing a comprehensive reflection of urban transformations in Latin America and beyond. Emphasizing accessibility, the journal has embraced an open access model since 2016, ensuring that critical knowledge is disseminated widely to enhance understanding and promote collaboration across disciplines.

Journal of Tourism Futures

Advancing Knowledge for a Sustainable Tourism Tomorrow
Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTDISSN: 2055-5911Frequency: 2 issues/year

Welcome to the Journal of Tourism Futures, a premier peer-reviewed publication dedicated to the exploration and advancement of knowledge within the fields of tourism, leisure, and hospitality management. Published by EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTD, this esteemed journal has been an Open Access platform since 2015, ensuring that research is widely accessible to foster collaboration across borders and disciplines. With an impressive impact factor and a prestigious ranking in the Q1 category across multiple relevant disciplines, including Geography, Planning and Development, and Nature and Landscape Conservation, the journal plays a pivotal role in shaping contemporary discussions and innovations in tourism research. Based in the United Kingdom, the journal aims to support academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers alike by publishing cutting-edge research that addresses pressing challenges and opportunities within the tourism sector. Join us as we delve into transformative ideas that will define the future of tourism.

Planning Theory

Shaping Tomorrow's Spaces Through Insightful Research
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 1473-0952Frequency: 4 issues/year

Planning Theory is a premier scholarly journal published by SAGE Publications Inc, based in the United Kingdom. Established in 2002, this journal has quickly risen to prominence in the field of geography, planning, and development, achieving a notable Q1 quartile ranking in the 2023 category, alongside an impressive Scopus rank of #85 out of 821, placing it in the 89th percentile in its discipline. With a robust focus on innovative planning methodologies, theoretical discussions, and practical implications, Planning Theory serves as a vital platform for researchers, practitioners, and students alike, fostering discourse that shapes the future of urban and regional planning. While it operates under a subscription model, the journal's contribution to the academic community remains invaluable, providing critical insights into emerging trends and challenges in planning. As it converges toward 2024, the journal continues to champion the integration of theoretical and practical perspectives within the complex landscape of spatial planning.

International Planning Studies

Fostering Interdisciplinary Approaches to Urban Challenges
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1356-3475Frequency: 4 issues/year

International Planning Studies is a prestigious journal published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, dedicated to advancing the field of urban and regional planning. Since its inception in 1996, the journal has made significant contributions to the theoretical and practical aspects of planning, focusing on innovative methodologies, policies, and sustainability practices. With an impressive Q1 ranking in Geography, Planning and Development category for 2023 and a Scopus rank of #187/821 in its field, it sits comfortably in the 77th percentile, establishing itself as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Although not an open-access journal, it provides invaluable insights and peer-reviewed articles that foster knowledge exchange within the planning community. The journal is committed to exploring emerging trends and interdisciplinary approaches, making it a vital platform for disseminating impactful research and shaping the future of planning worldwide.

ReS Futurae-Revue d Etudes sur la Science-Fiction

Pioneering Insights into the Science Fiction Landscape
Publisher: UNIV LIMOGESISSN: 2264-6949Frequency: 2 issues/year

ReS Futurae-Revue d Etudes sur la Science-Fiction is a pioneering open-access journal published by UNIV LIMOGES, dedicated to the critical analysis and exploration of science fiction literature and its cultural implications. Established in 2012, this journal aims to serve as a platform for researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds to engage with the multifaceted world of science fiction, encompassing its historical narratives, thematic developments, and societal reflections. With its ISSN 2264-6949, and an unwavering commitment to accessibility, ReS Futurae invites contributions that push the boundaries of traditional discourse in science fiction studies, making it an essential resource for those keen to understand the genre's impact on contemporary thought. By fostering a rich dialogue on speculative futures, the journal contributes significantly to the academic landscape and supports the ongoing investigation of how science fiction shapes societal paradigms.

Environment and Urbanization ASIA

Advancing Knowledge for Sustainable Urban Futures
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0975-4253Frequency: 2 issues/year

Environment and Urbanization ASIA is a leading academic journal published by SAGE Publications Ltd, focusing on the interplay between urbanization and environmental change across Asia. With an ISSN of 0975-4253 and E-ISSN 0976-3546, this peer-reviewed journal has established itself as an essential resource for scholars and practitioners alike, contributing significantly to the field of urban studies. Ranked in the Q1 category for Urban Studies in 2023 and positioned at 93rd out of 279 in Scopus, it reflects a robust percentile ranking of 66%, underscoring its impact and relevance. Published on a biannual basis, Environment and Urbanization ASIA aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and disseminate cutting-edge research that explores the complex dynamics of urbanization, sustainability, and environmental governance. Though it currently does not offer open-access options, its wealth of scholarly articles offers invaluable insights, making it a cornerstone for anyone engaged in addressing the challenges facing rapidly urbanizing regions in Asia. Join the community of researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to exploring innovative solutions in this critical area of study.

Environment and Planning E-Nature and Space

Navigating the complexities of nature and development.
Publisher: SAGE PUBLICATIONS INCISSN: 2514-8486Frequency: 4 issues/year

Environment and Planning E-Nature and Space is a prestigious journal published by SAGE Publications Inc, focusing on the critical intersection of environmental studies and spatial planning. With an impressive Impact Factor reflecting its academic influence and a Q1 quartile ranking in several categories including Development and Geography, Planning and Development, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in contemporary issues surrounding nature, landscape conservation, and environmental policy. Spanning a converged period from 2018 to 2024, it publishes rigorously peer-reviewed articles that aim to advance knowledge and foster discussions on practices that influence our natural and developed environments. The journal's commitment to high-quality scholarship is further evidenced by its strong performance in Scopus rankings, standing within the top percentiles in its fields. Although it is not an open-access journal, the depth and relevance of its content make it an essential read for those dedicated to shaping sustainable futures.

disP

Shaping Tomorrow's Geographical Strategies
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0251-3625Frequency: 4 issues/year

disP is a premier journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary field of geographical planning and development, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd. With a focus spanning from 1980 to 2024, this esteemed publication serves as a crucial platform for sharing innovative research and insights that address pressing spatial challenges and planning methodologies. The journal is recognized for its significant contribution to academia, currently positioned in the Q2 category within Geography, Planning and Development according to the 2023 rankings. It occupies a noteworthy rank of #423 out of 821 in the Scopus database, placing it in the 48th percentile for social sciences within its category. Although it does not offer open access, disP remains an essential source for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to deepen their understanding of complex development issues and spatial strategies. Its commitment to excellence in research ensures that disP continues to be an influential voice in shaping the future of geographical planning and development.

Town and Regional Planning

Innovating strategies for regional growth.
Publisher: UNIV FREE STATE, DEPT TOWN & REGIONAL PLANNINGISSN: 1012-280XFrequency: 2 issues/year

Town and Regional Planning is a pivotal Open Access journal dedicated to advancing the fields of geography, urban studies, and regional planning. Published by the University of Free State, Department of Town & Regional Planning, this journal has been serving the academic community since 2010, ensuring that invaluable research is accessible to a global audience. With its ISSN 1012-280X and E-ISSN 2415-0495, the journal aims to foster innovative discussions and insights that address contemporary challenges in planning and policy-making within urban contexts, particularly in South Africa and surrounding regions. To highlight its credibility, as of 2023, Town and Regional Planning holds a Q3 quartile ranking in Geography, Planning and Development, and Urban Studies, alongside a Q4 ranking in Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law. This is complemented by its Scopus rankings, where it operates within the competitive landscapes of social sciences and environmental management. Researchers, professionals, and students are encouraged to explore articles that contribute to the development of sustainable and equitable urban environments.