TECHNOLOGY FORESIGHT AT THE NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA: METHODOLOGY AND IMPLEMENTATION

摘要

The article presents a technology foresight exercise carried out at the National Research Council (NRC) - the Government of Canada's premier organisation for research and development. The actions undertaken were focused on a technology foresight exercise with a time horizon of 2020 to initiate planning for its strategic and organisational renewal. The exercise provided a global perspective and critical insights on the future and impact of Science and Technology (S&T) globally and in Canada, and on opportunities for the NRC to address national challenges as part of the Canadian National System of Innovation. This paper first summarizes the scope, extent and methodology of the technology foresight exercise. Then, the implementation of the foresight exercise as well as an assessment of the implementation and outcomes are examined. Finally, the paper concludes with general observations and recommendations for science-based organisations embarking on similar foresight exercises.