Scenario development is a way of generating relevant information about an uncertain future. Agricultural research organizations may use scenario development in their long term planning processes, particularly where socioeconomic and political conditions appear to be changing. Development and use of alternative scenarios is discussed and their relevance to agricultural research is considered. Examples from the Brazilian Corporation for Agricultural Research are cited.

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The main approaches and experiences in agricultural research planning are summarised, focusing on recent developments in the planning field, the new issues and concerns in agricultural development and research, and future challenges. Reference is also made to the standardisation of the terminology used in research planning. Chapters are divided between four parts: the context of agricultural research planning (five chapters); the content of agricultural research planning (nine chapters); agricultural research planning as an institutional process (six chapters); and tools and instruments for agricultural research planning (nine papers).

Implications of biotechnology and information technology development for agricultural research planning are reviewed. Transformation of technologies in agriculture is discussed and the issue of planning for new technologies is detailed focusing on uncertainty, public acceptance, organizational structure and investments, scale of initial involvement, timing, lock in, partnership models, legal framework, human resources, and diffusion models. The relevance of biotechnology and information technology development for agricultural research organizations is considered.

The way in which information systems can be useful in agricultural research planning is investigated. Management information systems are explained and the development and use of a management information system for agricultural research planning is detailed. The relevance of management information systems for agricultural research is considered.