Science and technology foresight baker's dozen: a pocket primer of comparative and combined foresight methods

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to fill a perceived gap in the tool bag of a foresight practitioner – namely the need for a quickly accessible and concise overview of the main methods being employed in contemporary foresight, and some guidance on when and how one can select or combine several methods within a single project or focus area to achieve the best results. The intention is that such a primer can be easily reproduced into a format suitable and portable for managers to consult when in project meetings to design foresight processes and select methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a matrix table plus some text analysis and diagrams, a concise review of the dominant and most innovative tools for framing technology foresight processes is developed and summarized.

Findings

The paper produces 13 foresight methods classified, summarized and referenced with a limited selection of literature references.

Practical implications

The intention is that the main table and diagrams can be easily copied to a standard poster or made into a pocket pamphlet for those who wish to carry the primer with them.

Originality/value

The insights in the paper are derived from the authors' foresight design and management experience, from inputs and discussions and from relevant literature sources. It is envisioned that this will be only the first pocket primer, with further editions expected in the future, as more diverse experience is gained with these methods and new approaches are tried and tested.

Citation

Smith, J.E. and Saritas, O. (2011), "Science and technology foresight baker's dozen: a pocket primer of comparative and combined foresight methods", Foresight, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 79-96. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636681111126265