Technological Forecasting and Social Change is a peer-reviewed journal published by Elsevier, which has served as a key platform for interdisciplinary research since its inception in 1969. Initially launched under the title Technological Forecasting, the journal adopted its current name in August 1970. It focuses on the interplay between technology, society, and various systemic structures, facilitating research in futures studies and technology assessment.
Journal Overview
This journal examines the methodologies and practices of technology forecasting and technology assessment, emphasizing their roles as practical planning tools. It investigates how technological trends affect economic, environmental, organizational, and social systems over both medium- and long-term periods.
Key bibliographic information for Technological Forecasting and Social Change includes:
- Publisher: Elsevier BV
- Print ISSN: 0040-1625
- Electronic ISSN: 1873-5509
- NLM Unique ID: 101085131
- Publishing Model: Hybrid Open Access (offers both subscription and Gold Open Access options)
- Standard Article Publishing Charge (APC): $3,490 USD
- Total Registered DOIs: Over 10,260
Each article published in the journal is assigned a persistent digital object identifier through Crossref, ensuring reliable citation and discovery across global databases.
Editorial Features and Submission Guidelines
Elsevier maintains an international editorial board for the journal, featuring experts in innovation management, technology policy, and futures studies. The editorial criteria emphasize relevance to technology, societal impact, and forward-looking methodologies. Manuscripts are likely to be desk-rejected if they lack these elements or focus solely on technical aspects without broader implications.
To submit articles, authors must follow several structured steps, including accessing the journal’s repository on ScienceDirect, filtering through topical collections, and preparing necessary documentation regarding data availability and ethical disclosures. Authors can choose between subscription publication without fees or Gold Open Access upon acceptance.
Scope and Impact
The journal addresses multiple thematic areas, including:
- Innovation Diffusion and Forecasting
- Technology Assessment and Foresight
- Innovation and Knowledge Management
- Intellectual Property and Patent Analytics
- Futures Methodologies
As a long-standing publication in the field, Technological Forecasting and Social Change is recognized for its pioneering contributions and substantial citation impact, attracting a readership interested in the intersection of technology and societal change. Researchers looking to publish in this area are encouraged to familiarize themselves with its editorial policies and submission processes.

