ABSTRACT

This book illustrates how to anticipate the future using more than the traditional predictive models (forecasting) based on the forward projection of past experiences, and moving into more advanced methods of anticipation logic (foresight) to build probable scenarios based on weak signals, emerging trends, coexisting presents and potential paths of evolution.

Utilizing a helpful, four-part structure, the authors indicate how corporate foresight is fundamental to interpret and lead change, focusing on the two cornerstones of organization and management. They advocate the separation of Research (oriented to the market of tomorrow) from Development (oriented to the market of today), the establishment of a Foresight unit and the concentration of research activities mainly on the acquisition and recombination of external know-how. After an overview of state-of-the-art literature on forecasting methods, they further propose the implementation of a "future coverage" methodology, which will enable companies to measure and verify the consistency between trends, strategic vision and offered products. These organizational and managing tools are then tested in a case study: the Italian company Eurotech SpA, a leader in the ICT sector.

A useful resource for both managers and researchers, the book will help readers gain the tools necessary to tackle change and navigate complexity in organizations.

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

part I|72 pages

Anticipating the future

chapter 2|17 pages

Innovation shapes the future

chapter 3|16 pages

Responding to complexity

chapter 4|13 pages

Anticipating the future

part II|62 pages

Organizing and managing corporate foresight

chapter 5|16 pages

Corporate foresight

chapter 8|8 pages

The “future coverage” approach

part III|54 pages

Foresight in Eurotech SpA

chapter 9|12 pages

Trends in the ICT sector

chapter 11|17 pages

Foresight in Eurotech: Managerial aspects

part IV|10 pages

Art reveals the future

chapter 12|8 pages

Conclusion