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Technological foresight and technological scanning for identifying priorities and opportunities: the biotechnology and health sector

Adelaide Antunes (Chemical Engineer (EQ/UFRJ), MSc and DSc (COPPE/UFRJ), Full Professor at the School of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (EQ/UFRJ) with more than 40 theses supervised in the area of technological innovation management. Coordinator of the Brazilian Chemicals Industry Information System (SIQUIM) during more than 15 years, with more than 60 foresight studies carried out for the government and businesses.)
Claudia Canongia (Chemist (UnB), DEA in Competitive Intelligence (University Aix‐Marseille III, France), DSc in Innovation Management and Technological Foresight (EQ/UFRJ), with more than 20 papers and 30 technical foresight studies. A total of 20 years' professional experience in S&T management at IBICT, the Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology, and since the beginning of 2005 at Inmetro, the National Institute on Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality, in the Coordination of International Affairs (Caint), with focus in the competitiveness and technical cooperation area.)

Foresight

ISSN: 1463-6689

Article publication date: 1 September 2006

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Abstract

Purpose

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This paper aims to present a methodology for technological foresight and technological scanning based on S&T and knowledge indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

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This proposal considers S&T and knowledge indicators, such as a patents indicator (technology), research and development indicator (science) and competencies indicator (human resources). International databases and a data‐and text‐mining tool are used to build up knowledge maps and reference tables to support decision making.

Findings

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This study provides information about the use of technological foresight and technological scanning using the biotechnology in the health sector as a case study. In this paper, the trends observed in patents and articles worldwide clearly show the growth in biotechnology, which points to the need to prioritize this area, as well as opening up a variety of opportunities, especially when one considers the human competencies already consolidated in Brazilian universities and research institutes, which could be better harnessed by industry and could help ensure greater innovation and competitiveness.

Originality/value

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The paper presents a methodology for the effective support of decision taking during the prioritization of strategic and/or technological areas by visualizing potential markets and partnership opportunities. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of biotechnology as a catalyst for S&T and innovations in the world.

Keywords

Citation

Antunes, A. and Canongia, C. (2006), "Technological foresight and technological scanning for identifying priorities and opportunities: the biotechnology and health sector", Foresight, Vol. 8 No. 5, pp. 31-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636680610703072

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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