What is Backcasting?

Backcasting is a method used in planning that begins with the desired result and plans action backwards to achieve that result.

How to Backcast? 

Backcasting begins with outlining a desired goal or object. Next, identify the programs and policies needed to connect that desired future back to the present.

Backcasting vs Forecasting

Backcasting is the opposite of forecasting:

• Forecasting uses prediction of unknown dependent variable values based on known independent variable values.
• Backcasting uses the prediction of unknown independent variable values that might have existed to justify known dependent variable values.

Backcasting helps to specify the targets that should be set for a particular direction of technology development.