Regarding the scope of this paper, three functions or processes need to be regarded:
• General foresight processes, concerning future developments, either in a more narrowly focussed on technological aspects, or embedding technology in a broader socio-economic framework
• Skills needs prognosis
• Development and implementation of education and training structures, off ers and programmes Over time, these three processes correspond to development phases of emergent technologies — from the initial technology trigger via market introduction to market saturation — as depicted in figure 2.