Forecasting and Management of Technology, Second Edition

Chapter 11

Implementing the Technology

Chapter Summary: This chapter considers the major issues surrounding strategic planning for forecast implementation and for selecting and managing the vision that is chosen. The chapter discusses the need for continued forecasting, forecasting implementation issues, and strategic planning approaches. Selection of alternative designs or implementations of technology is considered. Technology roadmapping, an important technique for strategic coordination, is reviewed. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the challenges of forecasting an often deeply uncertain future.

A forecast not used in implementing a technology is an important management tool wasted. Employing the forecast to inform decision making during implementation is the culmination of the process of exploring, analyzing, and focusing. The forecast must be linked to the larger context within which it was done to develop the credibility that is essential for its timely and decisive use. Moreover, if it is to be effective, the forecast must be compellingly communicated to decision makers as well as to others inside and perhaps outside the organization. This chapter considers the major issues surrounding strategic planning for forecast implementation and for selecting and managing the vision that is chosen.