Enhancing business and technology foresight with electronically mediated scenario process

Abstract

Purpose

The study discusses existing scenario methods in business and technology foresight and introduces electronically mediated scenario process in two varieties. The purpose of the study is to discuss the existing practice, position the IDEAS and SAGES methods, and outline their contribution to the state of the art.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a literature study and conceptual discussion, illustrated with a case example of electronically mediated scenario methods.

Findings

Both of the presented scenario methods, i.e. IDEAS and SAGES, are feasible means to compose scenarios. The methods can be positioned respectively to intuitive‐logical and heuristic schools of thought. The contribution to existing practice is that they consume fewer resources than do their more traditional counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical validation of the presented methods is presently limited to case studies. Thus, the authors invite practitioners and researchers to examine the methods and to discuss the applicability of the results.

Practical implications

The IDEAS and SAGES methods offer tools for practicing managers to conduct scenario planning with practitioners and experts in a flexible and effective manner.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the ongoing discussion on business and technology foresight by presenting the novel scenario methods, and positioning them explicitly to the existing practice.

Citation

Piirainen, K. and Lindqvist, A. (2010), "Enhancing business and technology foresight with electronically mediated scenario process", Foresight, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 16-37. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636681011035735