Forschungsroadmapping

Forschungsroadmapping is a strategic planning method used to align research activities with long‑term goals, identify knowledge gaps, and guide investment decisions. It combines horizon scanning, stakeholder participation, and structured visualization to create a roadmap of research priorities, timelines, and dependencies.

Core elements include the definition of scope and goals, identification of key research themes and cross-cutting technologies, estimation of required resources, and the mapping of milestones and metrics. Deliverables often take the form of a research roadmap or portfolio plan that communicates priorities, sequencing, and opportunities for collaboration. The approach emphasizes transparency, scenario awareness, and governance to adapt to changing conditions.

The process is typically iterative and participatory. Typical steps are framing and scoping the problem, reviewing science and technology trends, conducting stakeholder workshops, constructing the roadmap with layers such as capabilities, programs, and milestones, followed by prioritization, validation, and dissemination. Visual tools, template roadmaps, and scoring models support the analysis and communication.

Applications and benefits include strategic alignment of research funding and programs, fostering collaboration across institutions and sectors, informing policy decisions, and reducing risk by clarifying dependencies and timing. Forschungsroadmapping is used by government funding agencies, research institutions, and consortia to coordinate national or regional research agendas and to translate long‑term goals into actionable research programs.

Challenges involve managing uncertainty, achieving broad stakeholder buy‑in, keeping roadmaps up to date, and balancing comprehensiveness with usability. Transparent methodologies and clear governance are essential for effective implementation.