Title: Scope and design issues in foresight support systems

Authors: Victor A. Banuls, Jose L. Salmeron

Addresses: Pablo de Olavide University, Carretera de Utreta km 1 – 41013, Sevilla, Spain. ' Pablo de Olavide University, Carretera de Utreta km 1 – 41013, Sevilla, Spain

Abstract: The general rationale for conducting Foresight studies is to reduce uncertainty, for instance, by providing information in the form of scenarios, critical technology lists, priorities and recommendations for action. Such initiatives, aside from their discrete outputs, also tend to foster process benefits, which can include increased networking and coordination among actors. We propose Foresight Support Systems (FSSs) as collaborative computer-based systems aimed at supporting: communication; decision modelling; rules of order in foresight processes. The relevance of the authors| proposal arises from the growing necessity in Foresight for instruments that allow researchers and practitioners to innovate by means of an intensive use of Information Technology (IT). Issues such as the scope, the features, users and components of FSS are discussed.

Keywords: FSSs; foresight support systems; strategic decision making; group decision support systems; future studies; information technology; communication; decision modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFIP.2011.043023

International Journal of Foresight and Innovation Policy, 2011 Vol.7 No.4, pp.338 - 351

Published online: 25 Apr 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article