ABSTRACT
This chapter assesses the way in which foresight knowledge is deliberated in policy and offers methods to assess the quality of foresight knowledge generated during foresight exercises. It describes the deliberation process in the policy context and identifies the normative dimensions of such a process. The chapter examines the issue of knowledge assessment of foresight knowledge. Foresight knowledge is illustrated in relation to sustainable development issues. Foresight activities are, and should, in principle be adapted to processes of deliberative policy of modern Western societies. The level concerns a broad political debate, which assumes a political consensus on the need for long-term planning if it engages foresight exercises. To appreciate any type of knowledge assessment, one needs to take into account the particular features of 'foresight' knowledge. Knowledge is an asset to initiate issue framing, exploring uncertainty, possibilities and action.
