Forecasting and its Beneficiaries

Abstract

This chapter addresses the question of who benefits from forecasting, using Forecasting for Social Good as a motivating framework. Barriers to broadening the base of beneficiaries are identified, and some parallels are drawn with similar concerns that were expressed in the Operational Research literature some years ago. A recent initiative, called Democratising Forecasting, is discussed, highlighting its achievements, challenges, limitations and future agenda. Communication issues be-tween the major forecasting stakeholders are also examined, with pointers being given for more effective communications, in order to gain the greatest benefits