Abstract
The paper discusses the design and methodological challenges of the
ongoing Nordic H2 Energy Foresight. The objective of the foresight exercise
is to illustrate prospects of hydrogen energy technologies, applications and
markets, and to analyse perceivable implications in the Nordic context up to
2030. The entire value chain (production, distribution, storage, and
utilisation), as well as the required infrastructure, is examined. The aim
is to provide decision support for companies and research institutes in
defining R&D priorities and to assist governmental decision-makers in making
effective framework policies for introduction of hydrogen energy. The
foresight exercise also provides a means for developing Nordic networks to
gain critical mass in wider international contexts. The overall intention is
to contribute to the strategic intelligence of the Nordic knowledge region
in issues related to well-being and sustainable developments. The foresight
project was launched in January 2003 and it is expected to run until June
2005. It is a joint effort of five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland,
Iceland, Norway and Sweden) and it is co-funded by the Nordic Energy Research
Programme, the Nordic Innovation Centre and a number of Nordic companies
and research organisations. The project partners represent 17 Nordic
organisations, including R&D institutes, energy companies, industry and
public associations. Interaction between research, industry and government,
and combination of judgemental and formal procedures, are essential features
of the Nordic H2 Energy Foresight. The foresight process includes a series
of pre-structured interactive workshops (scenario workshop, vision workshop,
technology roadmapping workshop, and action workshop), supported by systems
analysis and assessment of technical developments (modelling of the Nordic
hydrogen energy markets, expert interviews, technical calculations, etc.). A
common website was constructed to link the project partners and others
interested in the topic (see www.h2foresight.info). The results will be
disseminated and critically examined in the context of Nordic and
international conferences. The methodological challenges of the foresight
process are related to selection of proper tools for capturing the relevant
knowledge and viewpoints, and to successful integration of the various pieces
of information provided by a wide range of actors with various interests and
backgrounds. The dynamic model of shared knowledge creation (Nonaka, 1994;
Nonaka & Takeutchi, 1995) provides a general-level theoretical framework for
the design and conceptualisation of the process. The final choices are
affected by practical constrains as well. This paper examines the
contribution of the interactive workshops and the analytic work by the
project core partners in the light of the dynamic model of shared knowledge
creation. In particular, attention is paid to the ways in which expert
knowledge has been externalised and combined with other relevant knowledge,
the ways in which the process has contributed to new knowledge creation, and
the possibilities of using the resulting new knowledge in the context of
R&D, strategy work and framework policies.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | New Technology Foresight, Forecasting & Assessment Methods |
| Publisher | Insitute of Prospective Technology Studies (IPTS) |
| Pages | 58-76 |
| Publication status | Published - 2004 |
| MoE publication type | A4 Article in a conference publication |
| Event | EU-US Scientific Seminar: New Technology Foresight, Forecasting and Assessment Methods - Sevilla, Spain Duration: 13 May 2004 → 14 May 2014 |
Conference
| Conference | EU-US Scientific Seminar: New Technology Foresight, Forecasting and Assessment Methods |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Spain |
| City | Sevilla |
| Period | 13/05/04 → 14/05/14 |
Keywords
- hydrogen energy
- technology foresight
- technology roadmapping
- shared knowledge creation
