Anticipation of converging technology areas — A refined approach for the identification of attractive fields of innovation

A series of product innovations owe their economic success and origin to the impetus and know-how from disciplines and industries that were hitherto unfamiliar to the actors in the industries concerned. This phenomenon, known as “convergence”, leads to emerging industry segments and offers a wide array of opportunities for synergies. Against this background, a significant emphasis has been put on anticipating technology convergence as well as...