New methods for robust science and technology planning1998

RAND researchers have conducted a successful proof-of-concept demonstration for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of two new methods for science and technology (S & T) planning. These methods--HyperForum, a facilitated Web-based collaborative exercise, conducted in a carefully crafted, information-rich, online environment, and Exploratory Modeling, a new approach to generating systematic, quantitative comparisons among alternative policy decisions without relying on imperfect predictions of the future--exploit new information technologies in order to : improve the quality of the S & T planning process by using online computer-assisted decision-support tools that (1) make relevant information more easily available to expert panelists meeting over the World Wide Web, and...