Corporate Technology Foresight

The central research question of the group “Corporate Technology Foresight” is: How can technological developments be identified at an early stage, rigorously assessed and prepared in a way that enables companies to derive robust strategic courses of action?

Methodologically, the research group draws on a broad portfolio of future and innovation research. These methods systematically make technological developments in research and markets visible and explicitly incorporate company-relevant environmental factors:

• Through technology-scouting, and -scanning, as well as continuous technology-monitoring of research landscapes, trends are systematically identified and tracked.
• In-depth technology analyses enable a comprehensive understanding of technological developments and their interdependencies.
• Technologies are integrated into strategic planning horizons through roadmapping,
• while scenario techniques make alternative futures tangible and highlight possible courses of action.

The research group combines interdisciplinary expertise with many years of cross-industry project experience. In this way, it develops a systematic foresight that provides robust guidance for managing innovation in technology-intensive companies.

Across many industries, current disruptions are increasing the need for a structured approach to technological change and possible future scenarios. Organizations that support their strategy with technology foresight enhance resilience, gain competitive advantages, and identify new business opportunities at an early stage. 

Security & Defense
Geopolitical tensions and cyberattacks highlight the vulnerability of interconnected value chains – from supply and data protection to infrastructure. For companies, a new understanding of resilience is becoming a competitive factor, while new markets are emerging.

Aerospace
"New Space" is transforming the space industry. In addition to government players, private companies are currently shaping the commercial development of space. Opportunities are emerging to harness new resources, outsource infrastructure and provide new services.

Mobility
The need to get from A to B will continue to exist in the future, but the solutions are changing. New propulsion systems, autonomy, connectivity, services and increasing competition are driving the need for change in the automotive, logistics and public transportation sectors.

Energy
From generation and storage to consumption, energy technologies are undergoing transformation to meet sustainability goals, achieve geopolitical independence and respond to changing demand. Decarbonization requires companies to integrate new technologies and adapt their business models.

Climate change adaptation
Extreme weather events, crop failures and infrastructure damage are forcing a paradigm shift. Climate-resilient design of business operations is becoming an economic necessity.

Materials
Innovation cycles are being exponentially accelerated across industries by material developments such as metamaterials, biocomposites and optimization through digital tools. Material expertise is becoming a strategic resource for companies.

The selection and combination of the technology foresight methods used depend on the specific research question. It pursues the following four objectives: "identifying technologies", "understanding technologies", "integrating technologies" and "exploring futures".

Identifying technologies

• Technology scanning: The undirected scanning of scientific publications and patent activities enables the detection of early signs of new technological developments.
• Technology scouting: Within a defined search field, researchers actively identify promising technologies and create technology lists for collaborative prioritization.
• Technology monitoring: Over extended periods, they track identified technologies and detect trends or disruptive developments at an early stage.
  • Added value: An overview of relevant future technologies, for example, in the form of a trend radar

Understanding technologies

• Technology analysis: Research and data-driven analyses of selected technologies provide insights into trend dynamics, maturity levels, opportunities and risks, as well as their relevance for companies.
  • Added value: In-depth technology knowledge, for example, in the form of technology profiles

Integrating technologies

• Technology roadmapping: Together, the necessary steps from the current state to a future vision are developed, taking into account emerging technologies and new market requirements.
  • Added value: Clear paths to achieving goals, for example, through visualized technology roadmaps

Exploring futures

• Scenario methodology: Through transparent processes, including expert workshops, researchers develop future scenarios. Key influencing factors are identified, their different development paths are mapped and consistent developments are linked to plausible futures.
  • Added value: Awareness of possible corporate futures in the form of scenarios, along with actionable options derived from them

Discretion and confidentiality are core values of our collaboration. Therefore, the following project descriptions focus on methodological approaches and results, without naming specific clients. 

"Mobility in European urban areas in 2035"
Scenario study for the automotive sector

Hydrogen, Syngas, Biogas
Preliminary study on the market for (fuel) gas production and storage