Conference on Environmental Science and Technology

Future Scenario Building (FSB) is a participatory foresight methodology that enables diverse stakeholders to collectively explore plausible and preferred futures. Grounded in the interdisciplinary field of Futures Studies, FSB supports proactive decision-making under uncertainty by identifying key drivers of change and constructing coherent future narratives. When embedded within Living Labs and Climate Assemblies—real-life, user-centered innovation environments—FSB exercises benefit from strong local engagement, contextual relevance, and collaborative knowledge production. This paper presents the design, implementation, and outcomes of a participatory FSB process structured around four key phases: preparation, identification of drivers using the STEEP framework (Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political), scenario generation through morphological analysis, and scenario refinement. Emphasis is placed on the methodological strategies employed to ensure inclusivity, clarity, and meaningful engagement, including participant recruitment across the Quadruple Helix, communication tools adapted to local cultural and linguistic contexts, and iterative co-creation techniques. Critical factors for a successful application of the FSC methodology in Living Labs and Climate Assembles that were organized in the frame of CLIMAS Horizon project, included early stakeholder engagement, clear methodological guidance, and effective time management. The study highlights the value of participatory FSB in fostering creative, grounded, and actionable visions of sustainability and resilience, offering transferable insights for similar exercises across varied local and regional contexts.