Abstract
Corporate foresight is a mean for companies to explore possible future develpments and their relevance. Future chances and risks are examined and can be met with the development of innovations. By using foresight methods like scenario planning, the need and options for Action can be declared and recommendations can be given. The past research shows, that corporate foresight is implemented in many companies, and often realised in continuous processes and specialised organisational units. Much of the research refers to the usage of specific methods, while there is still a lack of studies, that adress the factors, which determine a successful transformation of foresight results into innovations. In particular, there is a need for Research of the design and characteristics of decision making processes regarding foresight results. In this Master-Thesis an empirical study was conducted, to analyse the impact of corporate foresight for the development of innovations in four case studies, based on an intensive Research of past studies. The cases depict examples of the development of innovations influenced by foresight activities, and suggest that the decision making processes have main impact on the successful adoption of foresight results. Through a cross-case analysis and comparisons with other literature it was possible to identify three approaches for designing or influencing the decision making process in order to improve the implementation of corporate foresight: The decision for or against the further development of an innovative idea can be influenced by high quality foresight studies that verify the potential of the idea, or by enhancing the participation of stakeholders in foresight processes and thereby generating agreement and support. A third approach is distributing the decision competencies to lower hierarchical Levels and individuals, who are directly involved in the following implementation and development of the idea. Further it became clear, that these approaches of improving decision making processes interrelate strongly with cultural aspects within the company. Characteristics such as the willingness to innovate, creativity and a culture of constructive collaboration seemed to be important prerequisites to persue these approaches, and were vice versa promoted by the corresponding
approach.
V
Original language | German |
---|---|
Awarding Institution |
|
Supervisors/Advisors |
|
Award date | 1 Sept 2015 |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Research Field
- Former Research Field - Innovation Systems and Policy