Title: Foresight mechanism for policy coordination: some explanations based on transaction-cost view within knowledge networks

Authors: Alfred Li-Ping Cheng

Addresses: Department of Information and Finance Management, National Chiao Tung University, 1001, Da-Hsueh Road, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30010, Republic of China

Abstract: This paper synthesises the viewpoints based on theoretical contributions towards foresight evolution and highlights the rationale behind national foresight mechanism through the distinct roles of national knowledge network organisation. Rationale underlines foresight and suggests that targeting on a national goal, foresight as a knowledge network system is similar to the coordinating mechanism as any decision supporting system. This paper argues that the way of knowledge organised and the relevant policy formulated be more closely related to the structure of decision support network of a nation. The transaction-cost explanation helps reshape the organisation of foresight institutions in their role and rights structure.

Keywords: foresight mechanisms; knowledge networks; transaction cost analysis; S&T policy; policy coordination; science policy; technology policy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2010.032666

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2010 Vol.6 No.1/2/3, pp.66 - 78

Published online: 11 Apr 2010 *

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