The future revisited: an application of lessons learned from past futures – the socio‐cultural domain and innovation policy in The Netherlands

Purpose – This paper seeks to evaluate future studies in order to improve futures research. Design/methodology/approach – Case studies were researched. Findings – The current study of the future carried out by the Dutch Innovation Platform (responsible for innovation policy) resembles an old‐fashioned utopism whereas a study conducted in 1977 by the Dutch Council for Government Policy yields very interesting results. Research limitations/implications – Only two case studies have been researched. Practical implications – Lessons learned or the evaluation of former studies of the future can be very interesting and supportive but one must be aware that they are not golden rules for doing futures research in the future itself. Originality/value – Although futures researchers often look back at other studies of the future it remains an important activity in improving futures research.