How often have your plans worked out as expected?  

We devise plans, ideas and projects, yet, ALWAYS, things do not go according to plan. Thus, how to plan the unplanned?

The challenge of sensing and preparing for unforeseen events is a critical aspect of navigating an increasingly complex and uncertain world. The concept of the unknown represents the unforeseen and not yet discovered elements of long-term sustainability. This unknown could be an unplanned element that systemically impacts sustainability, or it could be an unidentified lens that may emerge in the future, potentially transforming our world into one that is not just sustainable but increasingly regenerative. The unknown is all the crucial elements that matter, we just don't know them yet. Thus, how does one prepare for the unknown?

We accept uncertainty and strive to be the change we wish to see in the world!

To incorporate the unknown into our work, the Beyond Lab explores overlooked areas of long-term sustainability through collaboration. No lab or organization operates in isolation; collaboration is essential to include marginalized or forgotten elements. By recognizing our knowledge limitations and leveraging our multi-stakeholder nature, we integrate diverse expertise, experiences, cultures, and perspectives.

We give the unknown a significant role in our activities, seeing it as an opportunity and a first step toward understanding. Together with our partners, we embrace the unknown through continuous questioning, openness to new information, and innovation. This counters the culture of claiming to have all the answers, focusing instead on identifying uncertainties to find appropriate solutions.

Finally, at the Lab, we believe that embodying the change we wish to see in the world is crucial. We strive to incorporate sustainability into all our approaches and practices, such as through sustainable communication or by practicing slow thinking. By doing so, we can better navigate the unknown and respond to unforeseen challenges with the right mindset. Effective solutions come from an internal commitment to change and a radical acceptance of uncertainty.

A shift from a reactive approach to a foresight approach

This impact point focuses on transitioning from a reactive to a proactive approach, enabling us to anticipate potential future developments rather than merely responding to their effects. This goal is about adjusting to situations early enough to take informed action and having the time to consider our responses thoughtfully. By making room not only for what we know but also for what we don't, we ensure that when the unknown becomes known, we have already accounted for it.

A shift towards an agile definition of long-term sustainability

This impact point aims for a more flexible and agile definition of long-term sustainability. Recognizing the importance of accounting for the unknown involves acknowledging both human and planetary evolution. While the core values and essence of today's sustainability efforts may align with those of tomorrow, their expressions and implementation must evolve. Consequently, this impact seeks to transform the conventional perception of sustainability into a more flexible concept that embraces growth and evolution.

‍A shift towards self-reflectiveness in sustainable practices ‍

This impact point emphasizes the need for our efforts toward sustainability to mirror our vision in action. Recognizing that none of us have experienced a fully sustainable and thriving world suggests there is still much to learn. By accepting that change begins also internally, in institutional practices, we can gradually embody the vision we hold for the world through our actions. Embracing this principle will trigger a shift in self-reflectiveness in sustainable practices, inherently making our work more sustainable by aligning our practices with our advocacy.

Curious about how the unknown concretely translates into projects ? Here are Beyond Lab projects and content designed through the lens of the unknown :