Current science and technology dynamics are characterized by a
strong future orientation. Some techno-scientific fields are even said to
be governed by a “regime of techno-scientific promises” (Felt et al.
2007), which often culminates in hype-disappointment cycles. Graphene, a
promising material ‘discovered’ in 2004, is such a field in which from its
inception scientific interest has been connected to far-reaching promises
of economic value. In our paper we show how these promises and the
overarching dynamic have been generated by a variety of anticipatory
practices, partly rooted in common scientific practices and institutions,
such as scientific publishing and research funding, partly in more
dedicated forms of anticipation, such as foresight. Furthermore, we
examine how these anticipatory practices constitute and stabilize spaces
for coordination.
