Brussels, 7 August 2002

Note. Proposal for a new COST Action entitled "Developing Meta-Sensing Capabilities for Technological Opportunities and Stakes in a Knowledge Management Perspective." 2 August 2002

New COST Action Proposal on: "Developing meta-sensing capabilities for technological opportunities and stakes in a knowledge management perspective" (ILEMT-EPFL, Lausanne, May th, 2002)

Abstract

In the uncertain, complex and fast-changing world of today, the management of technology can play a constructive role, with probably more solutions than problems and more benefactors than actors. Scientific research, technology transfer, intellectual capital management, technology-related entrepreneurship, R&D management, innovation dynamics and technology policies are the many sides of this crucial area of activity. Within this wide perspective, a domain is emerging, in between assessing the recent past and the long-term future, eventually balancing opportunities and risk. We call it meta-sensing.

Meta-sensing deals with the anticipation of near futures, as to release organisations' effective potential for meaningful decision and action. It can be seen as the technology-related part of knowledge acquisition for which we have only a blurred idea of what and where to look for. "Meta" hints as a matter of fact at the need of having to design, in the course of the research or analysis process itself, efficient representations, models and methods. Meta-sensing is a reflective activity on the uncertainties we have or may have to cope with.

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One key problem is that we should not focus exclusively on existing trends likely to last, but on the contrary on constantly possible shifts, unexpected cross-influences and discontinuities. These bifurcations constitute the substance of both breakthrough innovation and risks. Transforming these options in a knowledge management problem and relating them to possible or necessary organisational changes, should also be envisaged as a major governance challenge.

Building upon many existing knowledge fields, approaches, methods and tools to formulate, analyse and document scenarios towards possible near futures in the technological arena, meta-sensing should be considered as an emerging discipline, the science of detecting complex patterns and changes in their early stages and the art of making effective decision and environment-making accordingly.

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The proposed COST Action aims at re-enforcing, by networking a diversity of competences, this analytical and managerial capability...