Science, Technology and Innovation Policy for the Future: Potentials and Limits of Foresight Studies

​The book gives practical guidance for policy makers, analysts and researchers on how to make the most of the potential of Foresight studies. Based on the concept of evidence-based policy-making, Foresight studies are common practice in many countries and are commonly understood as a supportive tool in designing future-oriented strategies. The book outlines approaches and experiences of integrating such Foresight studies in the making and implementation of science, technology and innovation (STI) policies at different national levels. It delivers insights into practical approaches of developing STI policy measures oriented towards future societal and technological challenges based on evidence drawn from comparable policy measures worldwide. Authors from leading academic institutions, international organizations and national governments provide a sound theoretical foundation and framework as well as checklists and guidelines for leveraging the potential impact of STI policies.​

Dirk Meissner is Deputy Head of the Laboratory for Science and Technology Studies at HSE. Dr. Meissner has 15 years experience in research and teaching technology and innovation management and policy. He has strong background in science, technology and innovation for policy making and industrial management with special focus on Foresight and roadmapping, science, technology and innovation policies, funding of research and priority setting. Prior to joining the HSE Dirk was responsible for technology and innovation policy at the presidential office of the Swiss Science and Technology Council. Dirk also has long experience in top level consulting to key decision makers in industry, headed the business unit industry studies and research with T.A. Cook Consultants, which he successfully established and was management consultant for technology and innovation management with Arthur D. Little. He is and was member of international working groups on technology and innovation policy. Dirk represented Switzerland and currently the Russian Federation at the OECD Working Party on Technology and Innovation Policy.

Prof. Dr. Leonid Gokhberg is First Vice-Rector of the Higher School of Economics (HSE) – one of the most prominent research universities in Russia. He is also Director of HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK). He authored over 350 publications in Russian and international peer-reviewed journals on S&T and innovation. Dr. Gokhberg has coordinated dozens of international projects, inter alia on S&T and innovation policies, nanotechnology and roadmaps, funded by Russian governmental agencies, as well as by the intergovernmental organizations. Dr. Gokhberg has served as a consultant of OECD, Eurostat, UNESCO, and other international and national agencies. He is also member of OECD and Eurostat expert groups and task forces on indicators for S&T, nanotechnology, information society and education. Dr. Gokhberg is editor-in-chief of the Russian scientific journal “Foresight”. He holds PhD and Dr. of Sc. degrees in Economics. In 2012 the President of Russia awarded Prof. Gokhberg the title ‘Honored Master of Sciences’

Alexander Sokolov is Deputy Director of HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge and Director of HSE International Foresight Centre. His main professional Interests are related to Foresight, S&T and innovation priorities, indicators and policies. Alexander is tenure professor at HSE, he teaches Foresight for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Alexander authored over 120 publications in Russia and internationally, he managed many Foresight projects, including: Russian S&T Foresight: 2030; Foresight for Russian ICT sector (2012); Innovation Priorities for the Sector of Natural Resources (2008-2010); Russian S&T Delphi Study: 2025 (2007-2008); Russian Critical Technologies (2009) et al. He is member of several high-level working groups at OECD and other international organizations, serves for advisory boards at several international conferences and journals.