Title: Challenges to technological and economic foresight in the information society

Authors: Paul Dragos Aligica, Vlad Tarko

Addresses: Mercatus Center, George Mason University, 3301 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 450, Arlington, VA 22201, USA. ' Mercatus Center, George Mason University, 3301 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 450, Arlington, VA 22201, USA

Abstract: What happens to our foresight prowess when foundational social changes take place? The paper outlines some basic parameters of the new realities brought about by the information society. Thinking of social forecasting as entailing a combination of economic method with technological foresight, one is able to articulate a more nuanced approach and go beyond the cliches of the day. The paper explores a series of challenges to the practice of technological and economic foresight arguing that, in conjunction, these challenges invite a significant change of attitude in how we approach the practice of social prediction.

Keywords: knowledge-based society; information revolution; economic foresight; technological foresight; natural resources; technological platform; human capital; entrepreneurship; globalisation; social networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2011.043018

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2011 Vol.7 No.4, pp.232 - 250

Published online: 25 Apr 2015 *

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