Global Foresight and Technology Management

Overview

This Master's program is organized around five interconnected clusters—Foresight, Technology, Economics, Social Aspects and Integrative—that together train you to anticipate and manage technological and societal change. The Foresight cluster covers strategic foresight and trend analysis and applies these methods in a project study that explores future “life worlds” using concrete examples. The Technology cluster examines innovation management and techniques for evaluating innovation projects and technologies, with case-based work to show both capabilities and limitations of different technologies. The Economics cluster addresses future business modelling, scenario building and risk management, while the Social Aspects cluster looks at transformation processes, change management, technology assessment and business ethics.

The Integrative cluster brings the curriculum together through courses in research methods and a scientific research seminar, two compulsory elective subjects, and a Master’s thesis. The thesis is carried out in one of the program’s core areas—foresight, technology, economy or sociology—ensuring a research-oriented capstone that synthesizes interdisciplinary perspectives. Practical project work, case studies and presentations are built into the program so you gain both analytical and communicative skills needed to document and share research outcomes.

For international students, the program’s English-language instruction and interdisciplinary focus prepare you for roles in innovation management, strategic foresight, technology assessment and related fields in industry, consultancies, public policy and research. The mix of method training, applied projects and a supervised thesis will help you build a portfolio of applied research and practical experience relevant to global employers and research institutions.

For more information, see: https://www.thi.de/en/studies/master/global-foresight-and-technology-management-msc/ or watch the official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mimvj-ppes8

Program requirements (academic components and facts)

• Language of instruction: English
• Degree awarded: Master of Science (MSc)
• Field: Business Administration (interdisciplinary focus)
• Five curricular clusters: Foresight, Technology, Economics, Social Aspects, Integrative
• Integrative cluster includes: research methods course, scientific research seminar, two compulsory elective subjects, and a Master’s thesis (in foresight, technology, economy or sociology)
• Project studies and case-based learning are core elements (foresight project study; technology case studies)

This three-semester MSc curriculum builds a compact, practice-oriented foundation in strategic foresight and the management of emerging technologies. The first semester introduces core concepts and methods: Strategic Foresight and Trend Analysis, Technology Design and Evaluation, Project Future Life Worlds, Transformation Processes and Change Management, Future Business Modelling, and Research Methods. These modules train you to scan and interpret technological and social trends, conceive and evaluate technology options, and translate future scenarios into viable business models while grounding work in rigorous research skills.

In the second semester you deepen applied assessment and management capabilities through Technology Assessment and Business Ethics, Project Business Scenarios and Risk Management, Innovation Management Methods, and a Scientific Research Seminar, plus two compulsory electives to tailor your profile. This phase emphasizes ethical and societal impact appraisal, scenario- and risk-based decision making, methodical innovation practices, and advanced research techniques you can apply to real-world projects.

The third semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis, where you conduct independent, supervised research that integrates foresight, technology evaluation, and business management. Successful completion demonstrates your ability to synthesize trend analysis, assessment methods, innovation tools, and change management into actionable strategies for organizations or policy contexts.

Key modules and learning outcomes (concise)

• Semester 1 core modules:
  • Strategic Foresight and Trend Analysis
  • Technology Design and Evaluation
  • Project Future Life Worlds (project-based, applied foresight)
  • Transformation Processes and Change Management
  • Future Business Modelling
  • Research Methods
• Semester 2 core modules:
  • Technology Assessment and Business Ethics (ethical/societal impact assessment)
  • Project Business Scenarios and Risk Management (scenario planning & risk appraisal)
  • Innovation Management Methods
  • Scientific Research Seminar
  • Two compulsory electives (to specialize)
• Semester 3:
  • Master’s Thesis (independent research applying program methods)
• Expected competencies on graduation:
  • Systematic trend and foresight analysis
  • Design, evaluation and assessment of emerging technologies
  • Scenario-based business modelling and risk-aware decision making
  • Managing transformation and organizational change
  • Applying innovation management methods and conducting scientific research, including ethical and societal impact considerations

Graduates gain skills in strategic foresight, innovation and technology assessment, business modelling and change management, preparing them for roles in technology and innovation management, strategic planning, business development, consultancy, and public sector strategy units. The programme’s emphasis on applied projects and technology evaluation also supports transitions into R&D management, innovation offices and corporate strategy teams.

The research and methods training, plus the Master’s thesis, also provides a pathway for those interested in academic research or doctoral studies in topics around foresight, technology policy and socio‑technical transformation.