Title: The choice of technology intelligence methods in multinationals: towards a contingency approach

Authors: Eckhard Lichtenthaler

Addresses: Center for Enterprise Science, Group for Technology and Innovation Management, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), Zurichbergstrasse 18, 8028 Zurich, Switzerland

Abstract: The effectiveness of technology management is fundamentally influenced by the quality of a firm|s technology intelligence process, i.e. the acquisition and assessment of information on technological trends. Although there is a vast literature on different technology intelligence methods, there is a lack of research on the factors influencing the choice of appropriate technology intelligence methods in a specific situation. This paper presents the results of an exploratory case study research in 25 leading European and North American companies in the pharmaceutical, telecommunications equipment and automobile/machinery industries. Major contingency factors of the selection of technology intelligence methods in multinationals are identified and integrated into a contingency-based framework for the use of technology intelligence methods.

Keywords: technology intelligence; competitive intelligence; business intelligence; technology forecasting; technology monitoring; technology scanning; technology scouting; technology management; appropriate technology; pharmaceutical industry; telecommunications industry; automobile industry; machinery industry; technology selection.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2005.007341

International Journal of Technology Management, 2005 Vol.32 No.3/4, pp.388 - 407

Published online: 06 Jul 2005 *

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