The future of 3D Food Printing in the Philippine Food Industry by 2030 : a Technology Foresight / Angelique F. Ronquillo

Date : June 5, 2016
Number of Pages : 113 leaves
Adviser : Prof. Glen A. Imbang

Abstract

This special project presents a technology foresight on the future of the Philippine food industry using scenario building exercise to assess the adoption of 3D food printing technology in the next 15 years (2016-2030).

An overview of trends in the external environment and food industry sector were determined through analysis of socio-cultural, technological, economic, environmental and political (STEEP) factors. The current scenario of the food industry was assessed through analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Information obtained from STEEP and SWOT analyses were used to determine the key driving forces of the food industry. Among the major driving forces identified were : government support, cultural acceptance, consumer behaviour, and policies and regulations. 

Based on the identified driving forces, scenarios were developed to help key decision-makers on strategizing for the future technology adoption. The four scenarios are : (1) Prometheus Unbound, (2) Dominance of Dysnomia, (3) The Achilles Heel, (4) The Labyrinth of Daedalus, and (5) The Revival of Ambrosia. The "Prometheus Unbound" scenario is based on strong government support and wide cultural acceptance on the technology. On the other hand, the "Dominance of Dysnomia" scenario pertains to the missed opportunity of the government to take advantage of the technology's possible transformation of the food industry due to unrecognition of the technology's potential. "The Achilles Heel" scenario depicts the influence of cultural rigidity on the overall technology adoption. "The Labyrinth of Daedalus" scenario presents a case of technological backwardness resulting from unfocused government priorities coupled with cultural rigidity. Lastly, the "The Revival of Ambrosia" scenario presents the exploration of 3D food printing in medical foods application, as supported by cultural acceptance and intensified government efforts to drive and protect its manufacturing and distribution.