Abstract Title

This paper addresses the question of implementing foresight activities in the priority-setting of research councils and national research programmes. The paper is based on a study of strategy processes in national research councils and programs and the challenges their strategy activities are facing. The study analysed two cases: the strategy processes of The Danish Technical Research Council and the Danish Energy Research Programme. The cases were analysed with respect to among other things the processes and methods used in the strategy processes and the actors involved. Also actors’ understanding of strategy is included in the analysis. Based on the analyses the paper argues, that the impact of foresight exercises can be improved if we have a better understanding of the traditions and new challenges faced by the research councils. The paper also argues that a more formal use of foresight elements might improve legitimacy and impact of strategic consideration of research councils and research programmes.