Title: A combined roadmapping-cluster approach for emerging technologies

Authors: Harro Van Lente, Jon Van Til

Addresses: Department of Innovation and Environmental Sciences, Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation, University Utrecht, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands. ' Department of Innovation and Environmental Sciences, Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation, University Utrecht, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands

Abstract: This paper develops and applies a foresight methodology that accounts for both the systemic character and the inherent uncertainty of emerging technology. An effort has been made in this direction by combining the |cluster approach|, a relatively recent policy instrument that is built on a systemic perspective on innovation, with |technology roadmapping|, a business strategy instrument that is used in firms to cope with the turbulent character of technology selection and innovation. The combination of these two approaches is expected to enrich the cluster approach and make it fit for emerging technologies. The combined roadmapping-cluster approach is applied to a new nanocoating field in Germany.

Keywords: cluster approach; emerging technologies; expectations; foresight methodologies; Germany; nanocoating; nanotechnology; technology roadmapping; innovation policy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2007.011621

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2007 Vol.3 No.2, pp.121 - 138

Published online: 06 Dec 2006 *

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