What is Technology Foresight?

Technology Foresight refers to a framework of systematic processes and methods that enable organizations to identify, assess, and strategically leverage future technological developments at an early stage. Within Technology Foresight, tools such as trend scanning, scenario analyses, Delphi surveys, roadmapping, and vision workshops are employed. The goal of Technology Foresight is to anticipate emerging innovation fields and disruptive technologies, make risks transparent, and optimally align strategic R&D decisions.

Technology Foresight is already common practice in many fields—especially where intense innovation pressure exists:

1. Strategic roadmapping with Technology Foresight:
Globally active companies (for example, automakers) use Technology Foresight to create multi-stage technology roadmaps for foreseeable future topics—such as e-mobility and autonomous driving. In annual reviews, new insights from the foresight process are incorporated so that R&D teams can always respond to the latest trends.

2. Delphi study to assess AI trends:
Research institutions employ Technology Foresight to survey experts from industry and academia in multiple Delphi rounds. This approach reliably gauges the opportunities and risks of AI applications in healthcare through 2030, as well as the social impact of ever-accelerating mobile technologies.

3. Scenario workshops for the circular economy:
Foresight-centered workshops with external stakeholders are an effective means of developing scenarios for a product’s future use or its specifications. The results often feed directly into the prioritization of R&D investments.

4. Trend scanning in start-up ecosystems:
In the world of venture capital, it’s standard to integrate Technology Foresight into the investment process. Global trend scanning identifies promising start-ups in areas like quantum computing and biotech even before they close their first major funding rounds.

5. Policy foresight for public funding programs:
Government agencies increasingly rely on Technology Foresight—whether to design funding guidelines for climate and energy technologies or to anticipate the effects of new legislation. Based on foresight analyses, priorities such as direct air capture or hydrogen infrastructure are set for the next funding cycle.

There are, of course, many other areas in which Technology Foresight is applied – especially when it comes to leveraging synergies:

Interdisciplinary innovation labs: Dedicated foresight labs bring together experts from various R&D disciplines to use Technology Foresight methods for designing potential technology ecosystems.

Open foresight networks: Companies and research institutions collaborate on open foresight platforms to share knowledge and jointly assess emerging technology trends.

Corporate foresight in SMEs: Even small and medium-sized enterprises employ Technology Foresight to target investments in future technologies and secure their niche markets despite limited resources.

Technology Foresight is far more than a mere buzzword: it’s an indispensable tool for spotting disruptive technology trends early and steering one’s R&D strategy over the long term. By consistently investing in Technology Foresight, organizations reduce uncertainty, optimize resource allocation, and secure a lasting knowledge and competitive edge. Those who systematically practice Technology Foresight with recognized experts turn future scenarios into concrete innovation roadmaps—and navigate situational challenges with confidence.