Technology Foresight in Europe (CEE/NIS)

This regional initiative responds to the Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States need for a mid- and long-term development vision of the region as well as for bringing a more technology-oriented focus into the relevant national and regional knowledge-based institutions. The regional initiative has been instrumental to provide extensive capacity-building and networking of different actors applying foresight in policy making. One important component of the regional initiative is the establishment of a focused capacity in treating, storing and disseminating information through modern electronic facilities and internet.

Development Objectives

The regional technology foresight initiative assists countries with economies in transition. To achive more sustainable and innovative development, fostering economic, environmental and social benefits at national and regional levels.

Immediate Objectives

• to raise awareness of the critical importance of technology foresight for improving the competitiveness of industry by exploiting emerging and future trends in science and technology;
• to develop and adapt methodologies and tools for technology foresight in the region;
• to establish and strengthen national and regional knowledge as well as the capability of using technology foresight for designing policies and strategies that focus on innovation;
•  to undertake regional projects on the future of specific sectors or themes;
•  to provide solutions to relevant problems in the region that can be addressed through the appropriate application of technology. Special attention will be given to pre-accession and late-accession countries to the European Union.