Title: Foresight and applied research for SMEs – the case of a German Foundation

Authors: Kerstin Cuhls

Addresses: Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, Breslauer Str. 48, 76139 Karlsruhe, Germany

Abstract: The paper describes the foresight approach performed for a German Foundation to identify the topics that are relevant for small- and medium-sized companies during the next 10–15 years to come. The process was clearly structured and was performed in a very short time (about ten months). It included two surveys (similar to the Delphi but with different |questions|), clustering, interviews and workshops. The result of the process was a list and descriptions of topics for which a call for tender was formulated. Research institutions can react to this call and apply, but they are only financed if a company is also involved and spends some money on the research project. The first study was a test for the concept, the second study had more impact. Some recommendations are given for a better impact.

Keywords: foresight; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; foundation foresight; Delphi survey; topic clusters; Germany; applied research.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2007.016469

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2007 Vol.3 No.4, pp.435 - 446

Published online: 30 Dec 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article