Technological Forecasting and Social Change Call for Papers 2026

Technological Forecasting and Social Change – Call for Papers

Special Issue: Forecasting and Managing Complex Innovation Systems: From Multi-Strand Technologies to Strategic Convergence

About the Journal

Technological Forecasting and Social Change is a globally recognized peer-reviewed journal published by Elsevier. The journal focuses on research related to technological development, innovation systems, forecasting methodologies, and their social, economic, and policy implications.

The journal regularly publishes special issues that explore emerging technological trends and innovation frameworks shaping the future of industries and societies.

Call for Papers

Special Issue Title

Forecasting and Managing Complex Innovation Systems: From Multi-Strand Technologies to Strategic Convergence

Overview of the Special Issue

Technological innovation in the 21st century is increasingly complex. Many breakthrough technologies do not emerge from a single discovery but rather from the convergence of multiple technological strands.

This special issue explores how innovation systems evolve through complex multi-technology ecosystems, where different technological fields intersect and mature together over time.

The issue introduces the concept of “convergence forecasting,” a new approach within technological foresight that shifts attention from individual technologies to system-level readiness and integration.

Researchers are encouraged to explore how strategic alignment between technologies, infrastructure, institutions, and investment can accelerate innovation breakthroughs.

Why This Special Issue Matters

Many transformative innovations required decades of development before achieving real-world impact. Examples include:

These breakthroughs highlight the importance of multi-strand innovation systems, where progress depends on the simultaneous development of several enabling technologies.

Scope and Research Focus

The special issue focuses on understanding how innovation unfolds within complex technological ecosystems. Submissions may address topics such as:

1. Innovation System Dynamics

• Evolution of multi-technology innovation systems

• Interaction between technological domains

• Long-term technology maturation patterns

2. Technology Convergence

• Strategic convergence of multiple technologies

• Cross-sector innovation ecosystems

• Integration of scientific and industrial capabilities

3. Technology Forecasting Methods

• Advanced forecasting models

• Technology roadmapping

• Scenario analysis for emerging technologies

4. Innovation Strategy and Policy

• Policy frameworks for supporting complex innovation systems

• Government and institutional roles in technology convergence

• Strategic investments in emerging technologies

5. Technology Roadmapping and Strategic Planning

• Tools for forecasting breakthrough innovations

• Managing delayed but high-potential technological developments

• Industry-academic collaboration models

Guest Editors

The special issue will be managed by leading scholars in innovation and technology management:

Who Should Submit

This call for papers is particularly relevant for:

• Academic researchers in innovation studies

• Technology forecasting experts

• Policy researchers and economists

• Industry practitioners working in emerging technologies

• Scholars in management, engineering, and innovation systems

Benefits of Publishing in This Special Issue

Publishing in Technological Forecasting and Social Change provides:

• Global academic visibility

• High-impact research dissemination

• Collaboration opportunities with leading innovation scholars

• Contribution to shaping future technology forecasting methods

Submission Guidelines

Authors should prepare manuscripts according to the official submission guidelines provided by Elsevier.

Key requirements typically include:

• Original, unpublished research

• Clear methodological framework

• Strong theoretical or empirical contribution

• Relevance to technological forecasting and innovation systems

All submissions will undergo rigorous peer review before acceptance.

Important Dates

See Details