A special issue of International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy
Much has already been written on the methods and organisational structures utilised in national technology foresight programmes conducted over the last decade or so. However, relatively little of this largely descriptive work has focused upon the wider policy context. If this is mentioned at all, it tends to be confined to some discussion of the programme’s general aims from the perspective of the sponsoring agencies (often national Ministries). Moreover, the existing literature tends largely to neglect serious analysis of how national technology foresight programmes relate to innovation policies and pays little attention to foresight’s effects on the behaviour of innovation actors.
The purpose of this special edition will be to collect a series of thorough policy analyses of national technology foresight programmes recently conducted in European transition and cohesion countries. The national innovation systems in these countries are marked by extensive fragmentation, dissonance, and a lack of crucial organisations and institutions (or the presence of recently established, fledgling ones). To address these shortcomings, some countries have sought to implement public policies targeted at promoting innovation activities and at reshaping innovation systems (though all too often, innovation policies and systems are confused with science policies and systems, reflecting the remaining strong presence of the linear model of innovation). How national technology foresight programmes actually support innovation policy goals, and their potential for further strengthening innovation environments, remains to be critically analysed.
The papers in this special edition will therefore focus upon the policy context of the national technology foresight programmes under review, paying particular attention to their ‘theory of action’ (in other words, the ways they are expected to have an impact) and their implementation dynamics. How national technology foresight exercises have related to wider policy ideas and how they have had an impact on policy discourses will be examined. In addition, papers will account for any resulting changes in mind-sets and cultures that are more conducive to realising the goals of innovation policy. This will necessitate a broad focus when examining the policy context, fully acknowledging a range of different actors with a stake in innovation policy-making.
Subject Coverage
- National technology foresight exercises
- Innovation systems
- Policy discourses
- Foresight implementation
- Cohesion / transition countries
Deadline for Extended Abstracts: 10 January, 2009
Abstracts Accepted: 10 February, 2009
Papers Submitted: 15 June, 2009
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