Identifying expected areas of future innovation by combining foresight outputs

Abstract

Purpose -This paper attempts to examine the efficacy of combining outputs from a foresight exercise by different methods to get information for discussion on strategies of sustainable growth through science and technology. It seeks to address the combination of outputs in an objective manner to identify expected areas of future innovation toward the desired future as well as related areas that are supposed to play a key part.Design/methodology/approach -Three investigative studies using the Delphi method, scenario and workshop were conducted independently in consideration of four global or national challenges. The points of the studies are interdisciplinary or diversified discussion and a mission-oriented approach. Information from the Delphi method and scenario is converged using text mining to position scientific and technological areas in a big picture.Findings -Combining outputs reveals the whole picture of scientific and technological areas, including specific areas and common factors to be promoted toward the desired society. The result shows that green-related and life-related areas are two major areas where future innovation is expected. ICT, management and globalization are common factors that would be critical to promote innovations in these areas.Originality/value -This paper is a case study of combining outputs at the last stage of a national foresight exercise to identify areas where future innovation is expected. It suggests the potential of combining outputs by capitalizing on the full value of the information obtained.

Evaluating university industry collaborative research centers

“…Technology foresight is a process that systematically looks into the future to examine areas of research and emerging technologies that can help address changing societal goals. Technology foresight has also been defined as a tool in policy and strategic planning to "wire-up" national innovation programs [17], for priority setting and decision making [18] and for creation of vision and the pursuit of knowledge [19].…”

A measurement system for science and engineering research center performance evaluation

“…Martin originally defined foresight as a systematic process to look into the longer-term future of science and technology for strategic research identification [23]; however, Coates [24] and others [25] expanded the definition to include a shift towards participative approaches to create shared longer-term vision to support short-term, decision-making processes about national initiatives. It has also been defined as a tool in policy and strategic planning [26], [27], for priority setting and decision making [28] and for creation of vision and pursuit of knowledge [29][30] to solve complex socio-technical problems. [32], energy [33], food [34], health [35] and transportation [36] are faced with complex socio-technical challenges.…”

Technology Foresight: A Bibliometric Analysis to Identify Leading and Emerging Methods

“…Among these, 67 international projects have been financed by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization), and World Bank. While most of these studies have been conducted to provide inputs into policy setting, other reasons include strategic planning, decision support for priority setting, infrastructure decisions [Ecken et al, 2011], or the pursuit of knowledge [Yokoo, Okuwada, 2013]. Two literature reviews were conducted to examine the importance, methods, and techniques used and challenges found when conducting technology foresight studies.…”