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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The acceleration of technological advancements and global market volatility demands
that organizations, particularly growth-stage startups or scale-ups, develop robust
strategies to anticipate future challenges. This study evaluates the strategic foresight
maturity of scale-ups in Brazil and Portugal, addressing the guiding question: How futureproof are scale-up startups in these regions, and what factors contribute to their
preparedness for future challenges? By leveraging a survey-based quantitative approach,
this research assessed key dimensions—Personal Awareness, Capability, and Need
Scores—across 25 respondents representing diverse roles and industries. The findings
reveal that while these organizations exhibit moderately strong foresight capabilities,
there are significant gaps in personal awareness of foresight concepts, a limited variety
of information sources, and inconsistent cross-functional collaboration. The study also
highlights a strong correlation between methodological sophistication and the ability to
navigate uncertainties, underscoring the importance of adopting diverse foresight tools.
Furthermore, a comparative analysis of Brazil and Portugal uncovered regional nuances:
Brazilian scale-ups showed higher familiarity with foresight practices and greater
methodological adoption, while Portuguese companies excelled in navigating regulatory
frameworks and external environments. The research concludes that targeted
interventions, such as training programs, diversified information gathering, and enhanced
cross-departmental collaboration, are essential to bridge these gaps. Companies classified
as “Vulnerable” require particular attention to align their capabilities with their high
foresight needs. The study provides valuable insights into fostering foresight maturity,
contributing to the resilience and adaptability of scale-ups amongst a volatile and complex
global landscape.
Description
Keywords
Strategic Foresight Growth-Stage StartUps Scale-Ups Innovation Strategies Assessment Future-Proofing.
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Araujo, Caio Arruda Amorim de (2025). “Future-ready: assessing strategic foresight in growth stage startups across Brazil and Portugal”. Dissertação de Mestrado. Universidade de Lisboa. Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão
Publisher
Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão