Technology scouting
Technology scouting is an element of technology management in which (1) emerging technologies are identified, (2) technology related information is channeled into an organization, and (3) supports the acquisition of technologies.[1][2] It is a starting point of a long term and interactive matching process between external technologies and internal requirements of an existing organization for strategic purposes.[3] It can also be regarded as a method of technology forecasting[4] or in the broader context also an element of corporate foresight.[5]
The technology scout is either an employee of the company or an external consultant who engages in boundary spanning processes to tap into novel knowledge and span internal boundaries.[6] He or she may be assigned part-time or full-time to the scouting task. The desired characteristics of a technology scout are similar to the characteristics associated with the technological gatekeeper. These characteristics include being a lateral thinker, knowledgeable in science and technology, respected inside the company, cross-disciplinary orientated, and imaginative personality.[7]
See also
- Foresight (futures studies)
- Futurology
- Strategic foresight
- Corporate Foresight
- Technology Management
References
- ^ Rohrbeck, René (2010-03-01). "Harnessing a network of experts for competitive advantage: technology scouting in the ICT industry". R&D Management. 40 (2): 169–180. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9310.2010.00601.x. ISSN 1467-9310.
- ^ Wolff, Michael F. (1992). "SCOUTING FOR TECHNOLOGY". Research Technology Management. 35 (2): 10–12.
- ^ Holzmann, Thomas; Sailer, Klaus; Galbraith, Brendan; Katzy, Bernhard R. (23 June 2014). "Matchmaking for open innovation – theoretical perspectives based on interaction, rather than transaction". Technology Analysis & Strategic Management. 26 (6): 595–599. doi:10.1080/09537325.2014.913344.
- ^ Bodelle, Jacques; Jablon, Claude (1993-09-01). "Science and Technology Scouting at Elf Aquitaine". Research-Technology Management. 36 (5): 24–28. doi:10.1080/08956308.1993.11670924. ISSN 0895-6308.
- ^ Rohrbeck, Rene (2010) Corporate Foresight: Towards a Maturity Model for the Future Orientation of a Firm, Physica-Verlag, Heidelberg and New York, ISBN 978-3-7908-2625-8
- ^ Klueter, Thomas; Monteiro, Felipe (2017-06-01). "How Does Performance Feedback Affect Boundary Spanning in Multinational Corporations? Insights from Technology Scouts". Journal of Management Studies. 54 (4): 483–510. doi:10.1111/joms.12252. ISSN 1467-6486.
- ^ Rohrbeck, R. (2010). "Harnessing a Network of Experts for Competitive Advantage: Technology Scouting in the ICT Industry". R&D Management. 40 (2): 169–180. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9310.2010.00601.x. SSRN 1532985.
