Addressing the ´Technology Foresight Deficit´: A Multidimensional Approach

Foreseeing the business potential of an emerging technology remains a problem of daunting complexity. Humankind´s track record of such foresight has been rather underwhelming - a situation that may be termed the ´technology foresight deficit´. Overcoming this deficit, or evaluating the potential of new or emerging technologies is clearly a problem of great importance. We present here a novel methodology for evaluating the potential of an emerging technology. The methodology is the outcome of our research into the evolution and emergence of technologies, and takes a 360-degree view of an emerging technology. The conceptual basis, key applications, and practical uses of this methodology are discussed.