Since the Second World War, new emphases in policy research and long-range planning have emerged, resulting in the growth of a new research discipline called “Futures Research”. This article outlines the growth of futures research and the role accorded to it in Europe, North America and elsewhere, particularly with reference to work being carried out in the United States. It examines some of the futures research techniques used, and contrasts the important place in educational planning which futures research is beginning to occupy in Europe and North America with the position which it occupies in Australia. The article also calls for the establishment in Australia of Educational Policy Research Centres to undertake long-range educational planning studies.
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