Applying FTA Methods in Latin American Countries

Future-Oriented Technology Analysis (FTA) methods have been used in highly developed countries for the last decades to improve competitive strategies, evaluate social responses to technological development paths and foresee critical situations in sensitive areas, such as energy, the environment, natural resources and demographic trends, as well as to explore the implications of advanced technologies in areas like ICT technologies and basic research on molecular biology.

This chapter focuses on experiences with FTA methods in Latin America. It is possible to identify two different stages in the use of FTA in the region. The first, in the 1970s, had a holistic approach and was related to a Latin American view of development. The second, from the present decade, has a closer focus on specific problems and opportunities, within the framework of increasing globalization and the advent of the knowledge society. It remains to be seen whether the findings presented here are applicable to other LDCs outside the region.