In this collection of specially commissioned essays, leading figures from the third sector and beyond set out their vision of civil society in ten years' time. How will charities have responded to the recession - and can scrutiny of the financial sector by civil society groups make sure it doesn't happen again?

Can we reverse the trend of declining participation in politics? To combat climate change, must a totally new, participative style of democracy be developed? Will new roles for trade unions have emerged?

The consequences of an ageing population, the increasing influence of young social entrepreneurs, and the impact of technology on everything from the arts to the government-citizen relationship is considered.

At a time of great uncertainty, leading commentators predict big changes in the relationship between the third sector and government - and suggest how civil society can not only weather the economic storm, but emerge reinvigorated.