Title: A learning organisation for R&D management

Authors: Guido Reger, Dorothea von Wichert-Nick

Addresses: Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (FhG-ISI), Breslauer Str. 48, D-76139 Karisruhe, Germany. Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (FhG-ISI), Breslauer Str. 48, D-76139 Karisruhe, Germany

Abstract: Today, only if an enterprise has a command of technologies will it be able to develop new products in time and thereby expand its competitive advantages. Consequently, the main task of research and development (R&D) management is the creation and improvement of technological potentials which are preserved in the aggregated knowledge of the company. In this contribution, an organisational framework will be considered that creates the setting for an efficient R&D management in enterprises. Firstly, future challenges and their impacts on R&D are considered as a background. Secondly, two general models will be presented that describe how R&D management reacted to past challenges and how it is going to develop in the future. Finally, based on these general insights and a short description of the main characteristics of learning organisations, a model of a learning organisation for R&D management will be created that encompasses both the organisational structure as well as its culture.

Keywords: research and development; R&D management; technology management; generalised management models; organisational learning; organisational structure; network of committees; organisational culture.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1997.001700

International Journal of Technology Management, 1997 Vol.13 No.7/8, pp.796-817

Published online: 17 Aug 2003 *

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