Prospective Approaches to Anticipate Trends and Improve Innovation Processes in Organizations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2750Keywords:
Anticipation, Organizational Learning, Dynamic Capabilities, Strategic Management, Organizational Innovation, Foresight, TrendsAbstract
Introduction: The growing uncertainty and dynamism of organizational environments have driven the adoption of foresight approaches to anticipate trends and strengthen innovation. This study analyzes how such practices influence the early identification of opportunities, risk reduction, and the improvement of innovative capabilities in Latin American organizations. Methodology: A sequential mixed-method design was applied, consisting of a Delphi panel with 15 experts and a survey administered to 60 organizations from Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico. The analysis integrated qualitative content techniques with descriptive and correlational statistics, evaluating variables such as foresight maturity, anticipation capacity, and innovation performance. Results: Sixty-eight percent of organizations with high foresight maturity showed elevated levels of anticipation, compared to 27% with low maturity. The correlation between foresight and innovation performance was positive and significant (r = 0.71). Colombia reported the highest level of foresight adoption (mean = 3.9/5), followed by Mexico (3.4/5) and Venezuela (3.1/5). Organizations with formal foresight practices reported 22% more annual innovation initiatives than those without such practices. Discussions: Foresight generates greater value when integrated with agile processes, organizational learning, and flexible structures oriented toward change. Conclusions: Foresight strengthens innovation when there is coherence between leadership, internal capabilities, and collaborative dynamics.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Luis Manuel Fernandez Arzuaga, Giovanny Castro Manjarrez, Marielma Martínez Córdoba, César Galindo Angulo, José Luis Sierra Mendoza

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