rise of Chindia and the relative decline of the USA suggest that the uni-polar world is finished.
In response, governmental, corporate, think-tank and non-government organizations have
embraced the formal study of the future. Some use futurists as consultants who provide market
advice; others use futurists to develop internal capacity through foresight workshops; and still
others have senior executives attend more formal courses in futures studies. This has led to
discussion as to where, within organizations, it is best to house the study of the future. More
often than not, futures studies is housed in the planning department. However, while this may
appear logical, as both deal with forward time, there are significant differences between the two.