Embedding foresight in transnational research programming

The complexity of transnational research programming and the requisite large-scale stakeholder engagement set a major managerial challenge: how to prepare, run and evaluate such activities in an effective, efficient and appropriate as well as transparent, open and inclusive manner. To address such co-ordination challenges we specify dimensions of transnational, vertical, horizontal and temporal co-ordination and apply them to three cases of foresight processes in connection with transnational research programming. This provides some evidence on a potentially significant role for foresight in facilitating and integrating different functions of programming but also shows major challenges in foresight design and management, which we address by way of elaborating guiding foresight principles of scalability, modularity and flexibility. We also consider the potential role of foresight in joint programming in Europe and in transnational research programming elsewhere.