About ICS

The Institute of Communication Studies is a leading research organization in the field of journalism and media studies, public relations and corporate communications. Our mission is to contribute towards strengthening of Macedonian democracy by working with media, civil society and public institutions, educating a critical public that will ask for greater transparency and accountability through engagement in the policy creation process.

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Strong Engagement and Applied Learning Mark the First Phase of the Futures Readiness Academy

The Futures Readiness Academy has successfully completed the first phase of its programme through the delivery of three core modules: Futures Literacy and Strategic Foresight, Media and Communication Literacy, and Digital and Data Literacy. Participant evaluations indicate a high level of satisfaction, particularly about the relevance, interactivity, and practical applicability of the content.

Students highlighted the interactive and engaging learning approach as a key strength of the Academy. The Futures Literacy module was described as a creative and collaborative experience that supported structured thinking about uncertainty, decision-making, and long-term planning.

Across all three modules, participants reported noticeable progress in critical thinking, analytical capacities, and practical skills. The Media and Communication Literacy module contributed to improved abilities to recognise misinformation, analyse narratives, and design communication strategies, while the Digital and Data Literacy module strengthened core competencies related to working with data, evaluating sources, and communicating findings effectively.

The programme’s interdisciplinary relevance was also strongly emphasised. Participants from diverse fields, including law, management, communications, and logistics, noted that the knowledge and skills gained were applicable in academic, professional, and everyday contexts, supporting research, problem-solving, and informed decision-making.

Teaching quality and learner support received high ratings, with lecturers described as knowledgeable, engaging, and open to collaboration. At the same time, the evaluation provided constructive guidance for further improvement, particularly regarding the organisation of group work, workload intensity, and platform functionality.

These insights are being actively considered as part of the Academy’s ongoing development. Overall, the feedback confirms that the programme is already achieving strong learning outcomes, while also offering clear directions for continuous improvement.

With two additional modules forthcoming, the Futures Readiness Academy, implemented by IKS, continues to strengthen a high-quality learning environment aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain future.