Title: Sourcing external technological knowledge: a decision support framework for firms

Authors: Jeremy Howells, Andrew D. James, Khaleel Malik

Addresses: Policy Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (PREST) and ESRC Centre for Research on Innovation & Competition (CRIC), Institute of Innovation Research, University of Manchester/UMIST, UK. ' Policy Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (PREST) and ESRC Centre for Research on Innovation & Competition (CRIC), Institute of Innovation Research, University of Manchester/UMIST, UK. ' Policy Research in Engineering, Science & Technology (PREST) and ESRC Centre for Research on Innovation & Competition (CRIC), Institute of Innovation Research, University of Manchester/UMIST, UK

Abstract: Although much has been made of the trend towards knowledge and technology outsourcing by firms and organisations, few studies have attempted to analyse the specific factors associated with the decision to use external technological knowledge sources in the innovation process. This paper outlines some key results from a study of the practices of a number of UK firms and organisations and the development of a Decision Support Framework (DSF) model, to aid understanding of the decision-making process surrounding the external sourcing of technological knowledge.

Keywords: technology strategy; knowledge management; innovation; decision making; technology acquisition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2004.003949

International Journal of Technology Management, 2004 Vol.27 No.2/3, pp.143 - 154

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article