TECHNOLOGY FORESIGHT SUMMIT - Unido

8 Technology Foresight Summit
for trying to create a forecast of Sweden’s development. Instead, they focus
on important areas of change and single out a number of central issues.
It has recently been decided to start in Sweden a second Technology
Foresight, which will include an update of the previous results but also
include new dimensions. The purpose of this second foresight project is similar
to the first one, i.e. to create the basis for priority setting for technologyrelated
R&D and educational issues central to Swedish sustainable growth
and to economic, social and ecological sustainability.
Based on the first Swedish Technology Foresight a wealth of information
now exists on all practical issues relating to the management of a foresight
project in Sweden. This information will be very beneficial now that the second
Swedish Technology Foresight is about to start, but it could also be of
help to other countries which are in the process of undertaking a foresight
project.
There is one particular aspect, which should be brought to the attention
of those contemplating a foresight in the CEE & NIS region. That is what has
been named as “the mission definition”: Who are the most important users?
Which are the questions to which they really need the answers? Which
process can find these answers? This mission definition is also the major
argument for undertaking a foresight effort in an individual country or a specific
region, rather than relying on what is being done elsewhere.
Another recommendation is that it might be useful to examine foresight
results bearing in mind mistakes that have been made by futurists of the
past. Here a Swedish study was made which discusses various difficulties
and sources of errors that should be borne in mind.
In conclusion there is a strong conviction in Sweden that Technology
Foresight is a worthwhile tool, as demonstrated by the decision to go ahead
with a second foresight, and thus we feel rather safe in recommending
Technology Foresight to the CEE and NIS region.
Foresight Project as a Tool to Enhance Regional Development
Gordon Ollivere, Managing Director, RTC North Ltd., UK
The overall concept of regional foresight should be distinguished from both
the national programmes that have dominated the debate up to now, and
the city-based initiatives which are part of local planning. Typically the
national programme is established first but then takes ongoing responsibility
for analysing global technology and market trends as well as producing
high level policy instruments and expensive resources for dissemination.
Regional programmes, on the other hand, translate and adapt policy, identify
key target groups, develop delivery plans and ensure that foresight takes
account of environmental issues, social inclusion etc.
The UK is generally recognized as having a strong national foresight
programme, but attempts to “roll out” its policy instruments have met with
limited success. The North East of England is an exception because of its