Aavistus – a modernised platform for supporting the Delphi method.

The Delphi method is a structured communication technique and a systematic, interactive futures research method that aims to achieve a convergence of opinion on a specific real-world issue by relying on a panel of experts. Despite the popularity of the Delphi method to deal with complex problems, several shortcomings of the method have also been reported, such as time consumption, labour intensiveness, high drop-out rates, and low response rates. Many characteristics of the Delphi method can be conveniently supported with web-based tools. Such tools can also mitigate many of the known shortcomings of the Delphi method. The purpose of this article is to discuss the suitability of web-based tools to support the Delphi method and to introduce Aavistus - a new platform to facilitate collective learning through real-time knowledge-sharing experiences. We share our early experiences of using the Aavistus platform and outline a roadmap for further developing it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]