TECHNOLOGY FORESIGHT

TECHNOLOGY FORESIGHT

What is Technology Foresight?

Technology Foresight (TF) can be described as a systematic approach in which various methodologies and techniques are combined in order to create a better preparedness for the future.

Technology Foresight is neither about delivering probabilistic predictions of the future technologies (Technology Forecasting) nor is about anticipating the impacts of future technologies in today’s society (Forecasting Assessment), rather Technology Foresight is a Systematic Process to visualize Science, Technology, Industry, Economy and society in the long run, with the purpose of identifying technologies that can generate economic and social benefits. Pakistan is the 25th country which has undertaken Technology Foresight program. 

2      TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Terms of Reference of the Expert Committee were:

• The panel will work as a Think Tank, in a particular field, for the Government of Pakistan using Technology Foresight process.
• The panel shall review the issues related to development in the respective fields, suggest short, medium and long term strategies, to be undertaken by the government of Pakistan, for strengthening S&T activities required towards industrial and economic progress in Pakistan.
• The panel shall identify and prioritize R&D projects of high national importance by considering short, medium and long term development that need to be supported by the Government of Pakistan.
• The panel will work for duration of six months, at the end of which a comprehensive report, indicating the current status vis-à-vis strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the sector under study.
• Recommendation of implementable policies and projects will be the final tangible outcome of the exercise, in addition to more desired intangible outcome i.e. process benefits.