ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role that the forecasting of technological developments plays in shaping the future of our society. A responsible analysis of the future calls for a program with these three components: a survey of alternatives, an analysis of preferences, and Constructive policy research. The chapter also concentrates on the prospects of socio-technological progress. The increased understanding of the world we live in that is implied by this development is the first reason for the optimism regarding socio-technological progress. The second reason, already partly implied by the first, is the second computer revolution, which is already well under way. The third reason for taking a bright view of future progress in social technology is that there is yet another, subtle, revolution in the making, namely a reorientation among social scientists toward policy-related research.
