Future-Oriented Technology Analysis: A Classification Framework

Different forms of processes dedicated to the analysis of future technology advancements (FTA processes) were developed in the last decades. Shedding light on the main aspects characterizing these processes, this study builds a classification framework. Five different dimensions enable the characterization of the FTA processes, namely: objective, stakeholders involved, entity initiating the process, methodological approach, and time horizon. On the basis of a systematic literature review, the different perspectives on the FTA processes were discussed and the processes were positioned in the classification framework according to the predominant position found in the literature. Furthermore, the main overlapping/divergence points were highlighted in order to build a conceptual framework that shows the interactions between the FTA processes.