Designing research strategy and technology innovation for sustainability by adopting “imaginary future generations”—A case study using metallurgy

To mobilize science and technology for sustainability, it is essential to develop a method explicitly considering the needs preferences of future generations in designing research strategies innovations. In this study, we conducted participatory deliberation experiment on strategy design hydrothermal reactions slag, analyze whether adoption imaginary (IFGs), which social system that has been proven be effective overcoming shortsightedness activating futurability people society pursuit could change direction development (R&D) thereby innovation. A questionnaire survey was administered participants after each session verify treatments, such as analyzing past R&D initiatives adopting IFGs deliberations, would participants’ perceptions about criteria related programs. The results showed contents ideas strategies, visions, methodologies anticipated benefits, were changed by IFGs. used also altered according changes strategy. findings examining issues from viewpoint “futurability” shift agendas technological Furthermore, provide insights into how generate innovations sustainability reflecting upon benefits generations.