Technology Foresight (TF) can be described as a systematic approach in which various methodologies and techniques are combined in order to create a better preparedness for the future. Technology Foresight is neither about delivering probabilistic predictions of the future technologies (Technology Forecasting) nor is about anticipating the impacts of future technologies in today’s society (Forecasting Assessment), rather Technology Foresight is a Systematic Process to visualize Science, Technology, Industry, Economy and society in the long run, with the purpose of identifying technologies that can generate economic and social benefits. Pakistan is the 25th country which has undertaken Technology Foresight program. The methodologies used and exercises conducted were framed by six fundamental pillars of future studies – mapping, anticipating, timing, deepening, creating (alternatives) and transforming the future. Foresight is by nature multi-disciplinary, requiring the expertise of disparate groups in order to combine scientific and technological expertise with an understanding of society, economy and environment. It is usually intended to have a major impact, and often includes controversial issues where there are lots of vested interests. This is especially true of priority setting for the allocation of resources, which is a common application of foresight. Foresight’s role is to help government think systematically about the future. to give ownership of decisions to all stakeholders for adoption of policies and their implementation. to promote culture of future oriented thinking. to promote networks between ministries, departments, institutions and companies. Project Objectives Based on a decision taken by the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology, a sectoral and nationwide Technology Foresight exercise was proposed. This approach aims at enabling the Government’s intention of uplifting key sectors through improved operation of limited national resources. It results in selecting public policies needed to align scare resources for supporting assimilation of technology by the industry. Additionally, Technology Foresight fosters increased rate of national innovation. This is achieved through the rigorous application of those Technology Foresight strategies, techniques, and methodologies that have proven successful in other countries, and are also conducive to our country’s milieu. Specific Objectives According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Technology Foresight is the systematic process of visualizing science, technology, society, and economy in the long-term, with the purpose of building consensus to identify technologies, which will cause the greatest social and economic benefits.
Ph: 8443229 E-mail: Annexure - II Panel Members – Second Meeting Name Designation Contact Dr. Ishtiaq A. Qazi Associate Dean Institute of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (IESE) National University of Sciences& Technology (NUST), H-12, Islamabad Ph: 90854201 e-mail: Dr. Mahmood A. Khawaja Head Environment/ Sustainable Industrial Development Sustainable Development Policy Institute 38, Old Embassy Road, G-6/3 Islamabad Ph: 2270674 E-mail: khwaja@sdpi.org Dr. ImdadullahMohannadzai Director Institute of Chemical Sciences Peshawar University Peshawar Ph: 9216652