Design and application for a replicable foresight methodology bridging quantitative and qualitative expert data

Abstract

Producing foresight knowledge frequently requires both evidence and creativity based expertise. This paper offers assessment of an electronic expert Group Support System (named «E-lab») facilitating efficient foresight knowledge production by using and coalescing a series of quantitative and qualitative methods and techniques, challenging the need for better understanding of foresight methodology assumptions and options. Observations and assessments of the E-lab methodology have been made in several expert workshops conducted both at the regional, national and European level over a ten years’ period (2003–2013) and across a series of foresight themes; e.g. European hydrogen society, Nordic addiction policy, National knowledge policy, Images of addiction and lifestyles in Europe, and University future governance. This methodology research adds to the body of knowledge on the effects of virtual group meetings encompassing a mixed method information platform often generated and shared in expert foresight exercises.