Forecasting and Management of Technology, Second Edition

11.6 Summary and Concluding Observations

A technology forecast usually will identify alternative technologies that offer promising futures for the organization. These alternatives must be carefully considered before the final implementation is selected. This requires careful development and application of selection criteria and measures. Because of the complex nature of the selection task and the diverse character of team members, scheduling becomes an important issue (Section 3.5).

Implementing a technology generally involves multiple units of the organization developing it as well as stakeholders with significant interest in the development. Thus, those engaged in the process must have a wide range of capabilities and interests (e.g., forecasting, societal and impact analysis, R&D, production, marketing, and finance). Because of the wide range of capabilities and interests, the management structure and communications patterns chosen for the team are critical and must be given conscious thought (see Section 3.3).

Successfully developing and executing an implementation plan requires selling it to participants no less than to management, financial supporters, potential users, and external constituencies. Communication with external stakeholders is an important means of obtaining input and building support for the final plan. Since not everyone engaged in the process will be technically sophisticated in every area that typically is addressed, communications should be as transparent ...