Upward Mobility for Economic Growth

Jan 19, 2025 | Upward Mobility Signals

Judy Nagel, Upward Mobility Signals Team

Upward mobility is the desired status for any society that wants to achieve economic growth and sustainability. It supports achievement by merit versus privilege, the prerequisite for a society that seeks continuous improvement.

So where does the US rank internationally in upward mobility? The International Organization of Economic and Community Development measures upward mobility across the world. Five criteria determine the measurement; labor, healthcare, social safety net, education and technology. We refer to upward mobility as the American Dream. According to OECD analysis the US ranks as 27th in the world for social mobility. In the US it is the norm to take five generations to move from lower income to the middle-income class. Some countries achieve this norm in two generations.

Learn more from the linked report which compares Wisconsin to other states and the US to the rest of the world. There are many clues and models that offer learning opportunities for achieving upward mobility. Learn more here

University of Wisconsin – Green Bay Update

Oct 30, 2024 | Envision Success Stories

Nan Nelson, Envision Success Stories

It’s really important for leaders to ‘go where the puck WILL be,’ as Wayne Gretzky famously said,” Alexander noted, “not aim for where the puck is today. It’s always challenging to think about change— what can happen and how to respond—but embracing change is the key to a successful organization. I would send as many as possible of our leaders at all levels to Envision’s training. Read success story.

Our Community’s Future

Oct 30, 2024 | Signals to Watch

Bill Ziemendorf, Leading Edge Economy Signals Team

When the Envision brand went public in 2020, following 30 years’ service as Bay Area Community Council, the plan was to teach Strategic Foresight to the entire community, sharing what the Envision board members had, themselves, learned. But the board knew they’d have to commit to more than sharing what they’d learned; they’d have to live it. Learn about our community of choice.

If Only We Had Known

Oct 28, 2024 | Upward Mobility Signals

Jim Golembeski, Upward Mobility Signals Team

As we prepare for Greater Green Bay’s fourth annual celebration of World Futures Day,  I can’t help but reflect on how things were in northeast Wisconsin 25 years ago—if we’d only known then what we know now! But we did not, and we paid a huge price. Read about missed signals here and here.

The Future of Civilization

Sep 22, 2024 | Strategic Foresight

Nanette Nelson, Envision Board Member

The State of the Future 20.0 is a whopping 500-page overview of the current situation and prospects for the future of the world—a report card for humanity. Nearly a thousand futurists, scholars, and other experts organized by The Millennium Project have produced this magnum opus, which provides humanity’s prospects for the future in clear, concise language. Learn about The State of the Future 20.0.

Drivers of Change

Sep 22, 2024 | Strategic Foresight

Nanette Nelson, Envision Board Member

Those practicing strategic foresight have heard about signals and drivers. But how are they different, and how are they used to envision the future? Understanding the role of drivers is important. Learn about drivers of change.