New foresight generation and framework of foresight

Abstract

The article starts with various definitions of technology foresight from the literature and new definition is given by the authors. Prominent definitions of foresight are analyzed and given according to their different elements in the literature. By assessing the evolution of foresight as a term and its five generations through time, the foresight of sixth generation is set forth. Based on the literature analysis, foresight generations are grouped into four main categories. Foresight frameworks are analyzed and a generic foresight functional model with nine consecutive phases named 'FORESIGHT' is suggested. Functions in the FORESIGHT model are matched with the phases of main foresight frameworks in the literature based on their actions and artifacts within specific phases. It is like a guide for practitioners of which activities are carried out in foresight studies.