Title: UK Foresight: three cycles on a highway

Authors: Ian Miles

Addresses: PREST, Institute of Innovation Research, University of Manchester, Harold Hankins Building, Manchester M13 9PL, UK

Abstract: The first cycle of the UK|s Foresight Programme set out to define priorities for S&T policy, and to enhance the functioning of innovation systems. The second cycle, with less linkage to innovation policy, was prematurely terminated. The third cycle focuses on a small number of critical areas. Related activities – often labelled horizon-scanning or roadmapping – have proliferated across the UK government system. But problems are seen in their lack of coordination and failure to support overall prioritisation of S&T policies. The paper puts these developments, and the broad range of activities that are now underway in the UK, in context.

Keywords: foresight; futures studies; innovation policy; innovation systems; science and technology policy; horizon-scanning; roadmapping; UK Foresight Programme; United Kingdom.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2005.007593

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2005 Vol.2 No.1, pp.1 - 34

Published online: 19 Aug 2005 *

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