Title: A group support system for foresight processes

Authors: Ahti Salo, Tommi Gustafsson

Addresses: Systems Analysis Laboratory, Helsinki University of Technology, P.O. Box 1100, 02015 HUT, Finland. ' Systems Analysis Laboratory, Helsinki University of Technology, P.O. Box 1100, 02015 HUT, Finland

Abstract: The preparation of research and technology development (RTD) programmes calls for the analysis of prospective technological advances and the consideration of ||lessons learned|| from earlier programs. In this paper, we report experiences from a pilot project in which an internet-based survey and five participatory workshops were organised in conjunction with a Finnish RTD program in telecommunications. At these workshops, leading representatives from industry and the research community were invited to report their experiences from a concluding RTD program and to address future research needs, whereby they were assisted by a group support system (GSS). The workshop process was well received, which suggests that the preparation of RTD efforts can benefit from the deployment of GSS tools in support of face-to-face discussions. To our knowledge, this is the first account on GSS use in the foresight context.

Keywords: group support systems; technology foresight; programme evaluation; strategic policy intelligence; telecommunications; R&D; research and development; technology development; Finland.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2004.004985

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2004 Vol.1 No.3/4, pp.249 - 269

Published online: 11 Aug 2004 *

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