This paper explores how futures ecosystem solutions can accelerate innovation and competitiveness within Lithuania’s socio-economic and socio-cultural context. It examines internal and external contextual factors relevant to Lithuania by drawing insights from countries with the most advanced futures ecosystems. Key factors include prevalent values, social trust, institutional culture, the role of education, socio-economic conditions, and the influence of globalisation and megatrends on the effective functioning of futures ecosystem. Notably, Lithuania’s emerging futures ecosystem must adapt to a society with low social cohesion, weak social trust, high social exclusion, and a strong emphasis on material values. Given the geopolitical pressures on Lithuania, the greatest potential for developing a culturally and socially suitable futures ecosystem lies in national security and defence.