Russian S&T Foresight 2030: case of nanotechnologies and new materials

Foresight. 2017. Vol. 19. No. 2. P. 198–217.

Vishnevskiy K., Yaroslavtsev A. B.

Purpose

The goal of this paper is to apply foresight methodology to the area of nanotechnologies and new materials within the framework of Russian S&T Foresight 2030 aimed at revelation major trends, most promising products and technologies. 

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this goal best international practice was analyzed that provided a solid basis for Russian S&T Foresight 2030 (section ‘Nanotechnology and new materials’). The study used a wide range of advanced Foresight methods adapted to Russian circumstances. During the foresight study we integrated “market pull” and research “technology push” approaches including both traditional methods (priority-setting, roadmaps, global challenges analysis), and relatively new approaches (horizon scanning, weak signals, wild cards, etc.).

Findings

Using the methods of the Foresight we identified trends with the greatest impact on the sphere of nanotechnology and new materials, promising markets, product groups, and potential areas of demand for Russian innovation technologies and developments in this field. We assessed the state-of-the-art of the domestic research in the area of nanotechnologies and new materials to identify “blank spots”, as well as parity zone and leadership, which can be the basis for integration into international alliances and positioning of Russia as a center of global technological development in this field.

Originality/value

The results of applying foresight methodology towards revelation of the most prospective S&T areas in the field of nanotechnologies and new materials can be used by a variety of stakeholders including federal and regional authorities, technology platforms and innovation and industrial clusters, leading universities and scientific organizations in formulation their research and strategic agenda. Russian business including both large companies and SMEs can use results of the study in creating their strategic R&D programs and finding appropriate partners.

Keywords: форсайт, нанотехнологии, Россия, Russia, foresight, конвергенция, nanotechnologies, convergence, композиционные материалы, new materials, новые материалы, advanced materials, NBIC technologies, composite materials, НБИК