A three year program of study and research into the systems management of emerging technology initiation is proposed. The purposes of the research and study effort will be to: 1. Develop a systems engineering methodology for management of the emerging technology initiation process; and 2. Apply the methodology and evaluate its effectiveness through a number of case studies that will be researched in close cooperation with the NSF Division of Fundamental Research in Emerging Engineering Technologies. The research will support the development of systemic approaches that enhance the development of realistic perspectives for potential key emerging engineering technologies. It will also apply the results of the research to the identification and support of substantive activities involving emerging technologies.
