Abstract & Overview
This project would not have been possible without the unique resources, access and capabilities enjoyed by the Finnish Innovation Fund, Sitra.Those outside of Finland (and even some within) would be forgiven for not understanding what an organization like Sitra can do.Because of its public mission and independence afforded by an endowment, Sitra can creatively pursue the betterment of Finnish society (as prescribed in Finnish Law) through cross-cutting, future oriented activities that can begin with a theory without necessarily knowing the conclusion or outcome in advance.Within the public sector especially, this is unusual.This book is an outcome of just such an exploratory process.Several years ago, Sitra began developing a new societal model organized around sustainability and human well-being.As part of that work, we asked what role education would play in working toward that future.The answers came from many corners of Sitra, of the education community in Finland, from Finnish society itself, and a broader global network of contributors.Without each of their insights, experiences and voices, this book would not have been possible.Without two key collaborators at Sitra, this book would not have moved out of an idea stage.Jenna Lähdemäki worked tirelessly to catalyze a new community of stakeholders across Finland to think about and work creatively toward a new future for education.She was instrumental in helping to facilitate our collaborative writing process and workshops in both Finland and the US and wrote two important case studies for the book.Before Jenna came on board, Julia Jousilahti helped to build vi ACKNoWLEdGEMENTS the firm foundation of research and thinking on which this book and the broader project is based.The need to write a book was an act of inspired foresight by Paula Laine who has thoughtfully guided this project from its inception.My foresight and insight team colleagues, especially Timo Hämäläinen, Eeva Hellström and Vesa-Matti Lahti have made significant direct and indirect contributions to this book and have helped shape my understanding of sustainability, human well-being, complexity, and countless other issues.The contributing authors of this book have shown tremendous commitment to this work and I know will continue to carry forward the insights that we have developed together.Their willingness to deeply collaborate and learn together has been inspiring.To my wife Heidi, a vibrant principal of a public school, thank you for your patience during my nearly 100 trips to Finland and countless weeks away over the last 10 years.To my mother, a dedicated and accomplished educator, thank you for making learning my priority.I hope you both might see your influence in these pages.