Technology Foresight in the ICT Sector – Exploration of New Business Opportunities

Rapid changes in technology and growing competition in consumer as well as business customer markets are forcing industry to explore new ways to foster innovation. This is also true in times of economic crises, where innovation can lead to the competitive advantage needed for success and survival. Making the right decisions is crucial and has to be supported by means of identifying developments and trends in an organizations’ environment early. These developments can be both, opportunities or threats and demand sufficient time for developing appropriate action. Deutsche Telekom Laboratories have introduced a tool of technology foresight – the Technology Radar. This paper describes the methodology of the tool, which uses networks of experts for the identification of discontinuous technological change. Based on insights from the Technology Radar energy-related developments have been identified and will be presented as an example for new business opportunities for telecommunication providers through technological change