Foresight Technology Research Articles

Mapping of future technology themes in sustainable energy

PurposeTo anticipate science and technology (S&T) changes and shifts in the competitive environment for the preparation of strategic development in an organization, this paper aims to address a structured analysis method for future technology trajectories and interactions by mapping and associating the future technology themes in foresight reports with a state‐of‐the art technology classification system. The objective of this paper is to develop an integrative method for systematically clustering, analyzing and visualizing the path for technology development and transformation.Design/methodology/approachDelphi topics related to sustainable energy were collected from strategic foresight reports of Japan, South Korea and China, and used as sources for future technology themes analysis. A standard mapping taxonomy based on international patent classification system was used to map out the technology concept described in these future technology themes. Technology interactions can be identified through a causal effect analysis during the mapping, and the results among selected countries are cross‐compared and visualized in an aggregated view.FindingsBy this standard mapping taxonomy and structured analysis, future technology themes in strategic foresight reports from countries in focus are systematically mapped and integrated for viewing future technology options and interactions. Similarities and discrepancies for prospecting the future technology trajectory among these countries are also identified.Research limitations/implicationsIt would be a significant contribution if this structured analysis could be applied more broadly across different geographic regions or across research areas in foresight reports. This research may help to solve the practical difficulties faced during the secondary analysis of foresight studies in foresight preparatory studies by providing a consistent classification framework to make comparison and aggregation of future technology options from different countries/regions. Also, this classification framework can provide a bridge for linking with current technology performance such as patent productivity or quality and help in identifying the gaps between the probable future changes in S&T and the current capability.Originality/valueThe integrative method in this research provides a way to combine both the advantage of strategic technology foresight and competitive technology intelligence by utilizing the results deriving from the former as targets for analysis and the analytic practice deriving from the latter to identify the possible competitive or cooperative landscapes in the future.

New technology of non-invasive cerebral oximetry (Fore-Sight technology) to monitor cerebral perfusion during resuscitation from cardiac arrest (CPR)

New technology of non-invasive cerebral oximetry (Fore-Sight technology) to monitor cerebral perfusion during resuscitation from cardiac arrest (CPR)

Monitoring of absolute cerebral oxygen saturation (Fore-Sight technology) during endoscopic shoulder surgery: Beach chair positioning or conventional side positioning

Monitoring of absolute cerebral oxygen saturation (Fore-Sight technology) during endoscopic shoulder surgery: Beach chair positioning or conventional side positioning

Non-invasive absolute cerebral oximetry (Fore-Sight technology) during carotid endarterectomy

De Naeyer, S.; De Deyne, C.; Lansink, W.; Vercauteren, M.; Heylen, R. Author Information

Cerebrovascular reactivity (by CO2 challenge) can be monitored by non-invasive absolute cerebral oxygen saturation (Fore-Sight technology)

Cerebrovascular reactivity (by CO2 challenge) can be monitored by non-invasive absolute cerebral oxygen saturation (Fore-Sight technology)

Alternatives to animal disposal including the use of foresight technology and agri-intelligence, Norman G. Willis (Ed.) : book review

The conventional approach to control of outbreaks of serious animal diseases by massive destruction of animals is increasingly being questioned. While this approach has been reasonably successful in achieving outbreak control, intensification of animal production has resulted in ever larger numbers of animals having to be destroyed in as short a period of time as possible. In order to control highly contagious diseases, the culling involves not only infected and in-contact herds but at-risk herds within a defined area, which results in the destruction of large numbers of healthy animals.

Envisioning the Future of Veterinary Medical Education: The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges Foresight Project, Final Report

This report of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges’ 2006 Foresight Project, developed under the leadership of an AAVMC Steering Committee, drew on the experience, imagination, and energetic participation of more than 95 participants from across the United States and Canada. The environment of veterinary medicine is one of profound change. The current number of veterinarians is inadequate to address the present and future needs of society. To remain relevant, academic veterinary medicine must prepare veterinarians for what may come in the future. In order to be recognized and remunerated for their knowledge, compassion, integrity, and judgment, veterinarians must first demonstrate their relevance to new societal trends. The objective of the study reported here was to determine a future direction for academic veterinary medicine using Foresight technology. The tools employed were challenge questions and the development of eight future possible scenarios. The study supported the need for change. This report recommends an adaptive and responsive system of veterinary medical education, achieved by defining those areas of professional focus that would address all the anticipated needs of society. An area of professional focus signifies a pathway leading to a DVM degree. Colleges would choose to offer selected areas of professional focus most appropriate to their capabilities, according to a binational plan. Veterinary medicine is integral to the well-being of any future society. This is a pivotal moment for the veterinary profession and for veterinary medical education. Leadership, collaboration, and a shared vision will determine the destiny of the profession.

Technology foresight and critical technology selection in China

A Delphi survey in the three fields of information and communication, life science and biotechnology and new materials technology was carried out in China based on the analysis of socioeconomic needs. More than 1300 excellent experts from different domains were invited to evaluate 222 technological topics. Two rounds of the Delphi survey were processed and 46.8% respondents filled in the questionnaires in the second round. Some indices such as Iindex (importance index), Hindex (high-technique industry index) and Tindex (Traditional industry index) etc., were calculated, based on the survey data. These single indices were used to analyse the results of the investigation to different aspects and synthesis indices including Techindex and Ecoindex were also calculated on them. Significant correlation was found between Techindex and Ecoindex, also Tindex and Ecoindex. But to Hindex and Ecoindex, Sindex and Ecoindex, only scatter plots were described from the different effects of high-techniques. Based on these interactive analyses, 21 national critical techniques were selected and each of them was a technique cluster of several techniques from the original technological topics.

Sensor foresight—technology and market

A technology foresight study on sensor technology has been carried out in order to enhance a strategic outlook on sensor technology. The conclusions of the sensor technology report are based on: 1) technology mapping and scanning existing forward-looking literature on sensor technology, 2) a number of structured expert workshops with international participants, and 3) an international, internet-based Delphi survey with respondents from 24 countries. The study has analysed six categories of sensors (electromagnetic, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, chemical, nuclear) covering 13 sub-categories and a number of systemic issues. All sources of information (i.e. the literature survey, expert judgements, the questionnaire survey) indicate the same pattern regarding future attractiveness of sensor categories. MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) and optical sensors, biochemical/biological sensors, and systemic issues are all expected to be the most interesting sensor categories over the next 10 years regarding market volume. Expectations for the future development of biosensors have conflicted. General technological key features are expected to be quite generic: low price, small size, robustness, dispensability, and the ability to be self-calibrating. Future sensors are expected to be integrated systems in multiple objects.