Indicators for science, technology and innovation on the crossroad to foresight

Abstract

This chapter introduces a systemic model which combines indicators for science, technology and innovation (STI) policy with Foresight approaches. The aim is to build a bridge between the existing information and knowledge base and the potentials for extending this into the longer term which are offered by Foresight studies. STI involve dynamic phenomena which are creating continuously changing conditions and requirements of the national innovation system (NIS) as a whole. Foresight can play an important role in reflecting and providing new insight into ongoing and emerging changes at different levels of this system. This interconnection of Foresight and STI (indicators), contributes to new perspectives on NIS with more explicit use of systems thinking. We consider the major challenges facing both STI indicators and Foresight indicators, and how existing and potential indicators from both spheres can be used to generate inspirations for development of the next generation of STI indicators, and also for future Foresight studies and indicators.