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Foresight for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy: Relevance and Uses for Emerging Economies
The chapter outlines the crucial role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in global economic and societal development, emphasising their contributions to creating industries, generating employment and addressing Grand Challenges. Foresight, defined as a systematic, participatory future-intelligence-gathering process, is presented as an essential tool for supporting policy-making, particularly in developing countries. The chapter explores the impact of STI on economic and social development, underscoring the significance of technological advancements in addressing global challenges. The growing importance of innovation in the competitiveness of nations is highlighted, prompting the need for STI policies. The chapter then delves into the concept of Foresight for STI, emphasising its role in identifying trends, opportunities and challenges. The discussion expands to include the relevance of Foresight for emerging economies, aiding them in overcoming technological gaps and effectively allocating resources. The chapter also addresses the global context, linking STI to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Grand Challenges. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic is discussed, indicating its impact on achieving SDGs and the need for foresight studies to guide STI policies. International experiences and best practices in STI foresight, both by developed countries and international organisations, are presented as valuable resources for developing nations. The text concludes with examples of successful STI foresight activities in developing countries and in Africa.
