Purpose This paper aims to illustrate the challenges faced by efforts to institutionalize participatory foresight as a regular component of policymaking processes in a developing country, based on the analysis of a country case (Peru) where national-level rules and guidelines have incorporated participatory foresight in policymaking and planning processes at the subnational level. Design/methodology/approach Exploratory research on the challenges faced when institutionalizing participatory foresight in policy processes, carried out as a case study of two relevant, official experiences at the subnational level in Peru. In-depth interviews, a survey of regional officials and literature review are used. Findings There have been significant regulatory advances; national officials seem committed to strengthening participatory foresight; and rules are being applied in regional planning processes and educational policy frameworks. However, the broader institutionalization of participatory foresight in a democratic context is incipient. Significant challenges are found within the operation of the national planning system, which sets rules and guidelines for incorporating participatory foresight, and also pertaining to participatory practices in general and the state–society relationship. Research limitations/implications This exploratory research, while addressing the early stages of institutionalization of participatory foresight in policymaking within a democratic context, sheds light on the types of challenges that should be addressed when designing and implementing policies and rules for expanding such practices in a developing country. Practical implications Findings suggest that making participatory foresight viable as a regular practice in policymaking not only requires changes in national planning systems, capacity building in subnational governments and adjustments at the methodological level, but also requires addressing weaknesses in overall participatory practices and state−society links in democratic settings. Social implications In an era of growing dissatisfaction with democracy in Latin America, participatory foresight could offer a way to incorporate citizens’ aspirations and knowledge into policymaking. However, it is still not a widespread practice, and there is scarce evidence regarding how to make it work. This research highlights the challenges faced in Peru, and that may be faced when incorporating participatory foresight as policy in other developing countries. Originality/value In an era of growing dissatisfaction with democracy in Latin America, participatory foresight could offer a way to incorporate citizens’ aspirations and knowledge into policymaking. However, it is still not a widespread practice. Recent academic literature finds that the “evidence base on foresight-use in policy-making is still largely anecdotal” (Reilly-King et al., 2024), and this study provides evidence from an ongoing case that can bring valuable evidence for decision-makers and researchers.
Gonzalo Alcalde (Sun,) studied this question.