The whole point of this index is that you can trust it, so here is exactly how we decide who is on it and where they rank.
Most lists fail at the first one.
A commentator is not a forecaster; a digital-transformation or AI voice is not a futurist. Every name is first placed in the one list that matches the nature of their work, or it is left off. Misclassification is what makes rival lists read as noise.
Within a discipline, names are ordered against the published criteria below, weighted to what actually matters, not to who books or votes best.
Dated, public, verifiable calls that materially came true, especially against the consensus of the time. This is what a futurist is for, and it is measured by no rival list.
A real method — signals, scenarios, systems — not extending the headlines of the day a few years out.
Own frameworks and ideas, not repackaging the talking points of the circuit.
Genuine long-range work, not next-quarter commentary dressed as futurism.
Called things early, rather than narrating them late.
Follower counts, audience votes and booking volume carry no weight.
Placement on other best-of or pay-to-play lists counts for nothing here.
Stagecraft, or commentary and analysis with no original forecasting, does not qualify.
No listing, rank or placement is ever for sale.
An independent panel scores each nominee against clear, published criteria. No public vote to game.
Any judge connected to a nominee steps back from that decision. The conflict is removed.
Entry is open to anyone. No listing, placement or rank is ever for sale.
Everyone in the index is available to book for keynotes and advisory. Tell us what you are planning and we will point you to the right people.
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