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Harnessing the Genie: Science and Technology Forecasting for the Air Force, 1944-1986 (Air Staff Historical Study)

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...Toward New Horizons, written by von Karmen's USAF Scientific Advisory Group, has endured as the model for Air Force science and technology forecasts. Renamed the USAF Scientific Advisory Board, the institution von Karman created has also endured. Harnessing the Genie tells us that while both the report and the board continue to be regarded with the utmost resect, their roles have been imperceptibly transformed over time. Toward New Horizons was followed in 1957 and 1958 by the Woods Hole Summer Studies, in 1964 by Project Forecast, in 1975 by New Horizon II, and in 1986 by Project Forecast II. The pattern suggests that every ten years or so the USAF revisits the concept behind Toward New Horizons and attempts to look into the future of aerospace technology....

Thus, Harnessing the Genie describes and analyzes the methodology and conclusions of the five main science and technology forecasts undertaken by the Air Force since before its birth as an independent service. Hopefully, this work will provide useful background as the Air Force grapples with the technological demands of national security in the 21st century.

--- excerpts from book's Foreword