Prepare for future needs, and update a response when circumstances change.
Anticipating change means identifying a possible future challenge early enough to prepare. Staying relevant means adapting as needs, technology or conditions change. Waiting until a foreseeable problem becomes severe can make it more costly to address.
Preparation uses resources now for benefits that may arrive later. For example, studying projected demand means estimating how much of a service people will need in future. Planning ahead can make society less exposed to a shortage, but the predictions remain uncertain and need review.
Worked example: Preparing routes for an ageing population
An estate expects more older residents over the next decade. Its planners add resting places and step-free routes while renewing the estate.
- The expected change is an ageing resident population.
- Accessible routes may help people continue reaching services as their mobility needs change.
- Building during planned renewal can prepare early, but planners still need to check usage and changing needs.
Watch out for this
A future plan proves that the predicted problem will definitely happen.
A plan is a response to an expected risk or need, not proof of a certain future.
Check your understanding
Which is the clearest example of anticipating change?
- Repairing a broken light only after a complaint.
- Keeping every service unchanged because it once worked.
- Studying projected demand and developing additional water sources before shortages occur.