Technology scouting
| Futures studies |
|---|
 |
| Concepts |
| Techniques |
| Technology assessment and forecasting |
| Related topics |
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] This matching may also be aided by technology roadmapping.[4] Technology scouting is also known to be part of competitive intelligence, which firms apply as a tool of competitive strategy.[5] It can also be regarded as a method of technology forecasting[6] or in the broader context also an element of corporate foresight.[7] Technology scouting may also be applied as an element of an open innovation approach.[8][9] Technology scouting is seen as an essential element of a modern technology management system.[10]
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.[11] They 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.[1] Technology scouts would also often play a vital role in a formalised technology foresight process.[12]
Case studies
[edit | edit source]Documented case studies include:
| Organization | Project | Year |
|---|---|---|
| DZSF | "DZSF - Projekte - Voruntersuchung zu Gestaltung und Betrieb eines teilautomatisierten Technologiescouting-Systems"[13][14][15] | 2022 |
| Deutsche Telekom | "Technology Scouting - a Case Study on the Deutsche Telekom Laboratories"[16] | 2007 |
| Phonak | "Technology intelligence systems: practices and models for large, medium-sized and start-up companies"[17] | 2006 |
| Novartis | "Organisation der Technology intelligence : eine empirische Untersuchung der Technologiefrühaufklärung in technologieintensiven Grossunternehmen"[18] | 2002 |
| Elf Aquitaine | "Science and Technology Scouting at Elf Aquitaine"[6] | 1993 |
See also
[edit | edit source]- Corporate Foresight
- Foresight (futures studies)
- Futurology
- Horizon scanning
- Scientific lacuna
- Strategic foresight
- Technology Management
References
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