Technological Forecasting in Perspective

The term, technological forecasting, is appearing with ever increasing frequency in the public utterances of government and industrial leaders. Yet it is obvious to even the most casual observer that little agreement exists as to the meaning of the term, the potential for useful forecasting, regardless of detailed nature, or the status of relevant studies. The purpose of this paper is to review generally the various, apparently useful forecasting techniques, to offer a rationale basis for undertaking a technological forecast, and to place technological forecasting in perspective with regard to other planning inputs.