Title: Exploration, exploitation and technology management

Authors: John W. Medcof

Addresses: DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Canada M4V 1K2

Abstract: This paper reviews recent research on exploration and exploitation in technology management. Empirical studies show that ambidexterity is common in technology management and follows a number of dynamic patterns. Managers use well-understood methods to foster exploration or exploitation as their challenges demand. Evidence indicates that the dual/binary debate may be a non-issue since many firms practise both kinds of ambidexterity simultaneously, being ambidextrously ambidextrous.

Keywords: technology exploration; technology exploitation; strategic management; ambidexterity; dynamic patterns; managers; ambidextrous organisations; dual solutions; binary solutions; technology intelligence; technology planning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTIP.2010.038226

International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 2010 Vol.6 No.4, pp.301 - 316

Published online: 24 Jan 2011 *

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