Forecasting market developments

Traditional planning in essence consists of linear extrapolation of established facts and experience. This approach was good enough until recently, when progress would be relatively foreseeable within a stable system. The situation has been changing with developments and modifications in the global economic sector proceeding at accelerated pace, so that conventional planning methods become hopelessly inadequate. The past is of low significance to emerging markets; planners today have to keep abreast with and take into account the possible and emerging influencing factors. Experience is a factor to be replaced by intelligent analysis and conclusion within the framework of system networks. Modern scenario modelling methods are based on this approach: They are able to simulate and forecast a whole range of ''possible futures'', derived from perceivable trends. The article illustrates the novel planning methodology by assessing the future of the renewable energy sources, applying a computerized planning method (vision design) which is based on intelligent comparative analysis of all relevant trends. (Orig./RHM)