Outlook for Japanese and German Future Technology: Comparing Technology Forecast Surveys (Technology, Innovation and Policy (ISI))

In Japan, the Delphi method has been used since 1971 to predict possible technological developments. The same approach was used in Germany for the first time in 1992. This book analyses and compares the results from studies carried out in both countries. This comparison allows conclusions to be drawn as to the relevance of certain fields of technology or disciplines - not only for public policy but also for companies. Possible realization goals, constraints on their achievement, the current R&D level of the two nations and the necessity of international co-operation all give hints on tomorrow's technology and its economic and societal impacts.