Technology mapping as a tool for technology analysis in foresight studies

Due to great significance attached to technology development as one of the elements driving contemporary economy, two issues seem vital. The first one is technology monitoring through observing its current state, and the second one is defining possibly occurring relations among technologies, so as to determine, ultimately, their development schemes. The author investigates the subject matter of determining the current state of technology within foresight research, which could be defined as technology mapping. In her opinion, it is an essential observation element and the basis of technological environment changes predictions. An overview of the selected methods of technology analysis has been provided with the special emphasis on technology mapping. The idea of the method has been presented in the light of the chosen cases of its worldwide application. The usage of the method in the Polish foresight initiative has been described as well as recommendations of its further application.