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KoRe Thinking Innovations

Examples of 5 What-Next (5WN) Questions for Foreseeing the Future

Vadim Kotelnikov

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5WN Method
– answering the chain of five questions "What next?" to forecast future

 

KoRe 5 What-Next (5WN) method of Predictive Intelligence (PI)

 

Predictive Intelligence - KoRe Way, 1000 ventures

 

Predictive Intelligence (PI) is an empowering know-how that enables people and organizations to forecast future trends, behaviors, and outcomes with high accuracy, anticipate issues, make better strategic decisions, and manage risks proactively.

The 5WN Method ("What Next?" asked five times) transforms uncertainty into foresight by forcing the mind to explore deeper layers of consequences, counter‑moves, and emerging opportunities.

Below are three situations – developmental, innovation, and geopolitical – each followed by a chain of five "What next?" answers.

 

 

 

   

Example 1: Developmental Scenario

A company adopts AI-driven automation

Starting point: A mid-size company introduces AI automation to streamline operations.

What next?

Productivity increases and routine tasks become faster and cheaper.

What next?

Employees shift toward higher-value creative and analytical work.

What next?

The company discovers new service lines enabled by freed-up talent.

What next?

Competitors respond by accelerating their own automation programs.

What next?

The entire industry transitions to a hybrid human-AI operating model, raising the bar for innovation and strategic foresight.

 

 

 

 

 

   

Example 2: Innovation Scenario

A breakthrough in battery technology

Starting point:
A research team announces a battery that charges in 5 minutes.

What next?

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates dramatically.

What next?

Charging infrastructure becomes the new competitive battlefield.

What next?

Oil-dependent regions face economic pressure and begin diversifying.

What next?

Nations invest heavily in mineral independence and recycling technologies.

What next?

Global energy geopolitics shifts toward countries that control battery innovation, supply chains, and intellectual property.

 

 

 

 

 

   

Example 3: Geopolitical Scenario

A major country restricts semiconductor exports

Starting point: A leading semiconductor nation imposes strict export controls.

What next?
Affected countries accelerate domestic chip manufacturing programs.

What next?
Global supply chains fragment into competing technological blocs.

What next?
Innovation races intensify as nations seek self-sufficiency.

What next?
Alliances shift based on access to advanced computing technologies.

What next?
A new global technological order emerges, defined by digital sovereignty and strategic interdependence.

 

 

 

 

 

   

Developing Human Predictive intelligence

Strategic simulation games, such as InnoBall (Innovation Brainball), are a powerful tool for developing anticipation skills and predictive intelligence.

 

 

 

 

You have to play InnoBall enough times for the anticipation of further developments to become a superconscious habit and begin to happen on autopilot at the speed of light without any conscious effort.

  Predictive Intelligence: anticipate challenges, simulation game