Framing Tomorrow: Education Futures Insights

Dr. Sean Kruger

Principal Investigator

Futures-oriented research mapping strategic needs for South Africa’s basic education system. Uses PRISMA SLR, stakeholder engagement and a Theory of Change to enhance risk management and foster proactive strategies for the DBE.

Project Details

Research Questions

Integrate futures thinking into basic education for 4IR readiness
Identify global drivers necessitating a futures education framework
Review competency frameworks (LifeComp, DigiComp, DBE 21st-century)
Develop policy and strategic recommendations with operational actions

Methodology Overview

PRISMA-based Systematic Quantitative Literature Review, bibliometric analysis, contextual analysis via focus groups and structured interviews (government, academia, private sector, educators, learners). Data triangulated into a Theory of Change.

Impact Statement

Equipping decision-makers with tools to navigate uncertainty and seize opportunities for systemic transformation in basic education, aligning with NDP and SDG 4.

Funding Sources

National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT) and Kagiso Trust

Deliverable

76-page research report, SLR, Theory of Change for Ed-Futures, competency framework analysis, policy recommendations, stakeholder research report. Reference letter from NECT (Kanyisa Diamond, August 2025). Click here to view the deliverable