No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

This paper revisits two cases of new technology and product i foresight and assessment in Japanese companies and industries. The case studies show that technology forecasting or roadmapping that integrates corporate strategy and technology strategy plays an important role in economic success. Integrated technology roadmapping provides a practical instrument for developing long-range technology and strategy by aligniog internal resources and social marketing factors.

The information and communications field includes three patterns, short-term, medium-term, and long-term technologies, depending on the area. The field is characterized by a shorter time lag between technological realization and social application compared to other fields. The realization of a ubiquitously wired society is assumed, with 2015 marking the approximate time at which society as a whole will welcome the era of knowledge utilization. In addition, over the coming 10 years, the information and communications field is likely to become central to integration and collaboration among the fields, and steady development towards this end is needed. Mathematics and computer science, the basic research disciplines that support areas related to information and communications are weak spots in Japan. Strengthening them is expected to lead to further leaps in technical progress.