Expanding the scope of prosumption: A framework for analysing potential contributions from advances in materials technologies

A framework for analysing advances in materials technologies is introduced. This framework is used to underpin forecasting related to the expansion of prosumption. The term, prosumption, refers to the social change of individuals being directly involved in the design and production of the goods that they consume. It is explained why expanding the scope of this important social change depends much upon advances in materials technologies. The framework that is introduced addresses the limitations of extant methods. Firstly, the framework is oriented specifically to prosumption. It addresses fundamental factors that determine whether advances in materials technologies can better enable expansion of prosumption: chemical compositions, internal microstructures, shaping complexities, and surface characteristics. Secondly, application of the framework is not restricted to a particular type of materials technologies. Thirdly, its format is straightforward. The framework is explained through two cases of forecasting concerned with the expansion of prosumption. These forecasts were made in 2003, and were found to be accurate during subsequent years.