Centre for Technology Management

Technology acquisition and protection

Background

This research investigated the growing trend for companies to acquire technologies from external sources rather than using the firm’s own internal research and development activities. Specialist technical expertise and capabilities are often difficult to obtain and a firm may not have the ability – or wish to commit the resources – to develop a technology internally. Bringing in new technologies can provide the company with the opportunity both to develop new products and to enter new markets.

Guide to acquiring technologies

Technology can be acquired in a number of ways. Understanding the various options available and deciding which might be best in particular circumstances can be challenging. The findings of the research have been captured in a report: Technology acquisitions: A guided approach to technology acquisition and protection decisions. The report provides structured guidance to help firms explore the different options and to understand the trade-offs that may be necessary.

This report is particularly relevant for managers involved in technology acquisition decisions such as senior managers in R&D and supply chains, (open) innovation managers, IP officers, product, business and finance managers. It should be particularly helpful for those who tackle these difficult decisions for the first time. The document might also be useful to those who are selling their technology to help them anticipate potentially contentious discussions.

Copies of the report are available:

• Purchase a printed copy here
• Free copy download here.

Research approach

A variety of different research methods were used to identify the key dimensions relating to the issues of early stage technology acquisition. These included literature reviews, case studies and group discussions. The research benefited from the support of a wide community of practitioners, senior technology managers from large and small firms with experience of acquiring technologies, as well as lawyers who support firms during technology transactions.

The project also organised two workshops, each of which included three focus group discussions. Attendees were mainly from the UK and covered a range of different sectors including aerospace, fast moving consumers goods, chemicals, mechanical engineering, defence, printing and technical consultancies. The contributors to these events were given access to the interim findings and were encouraged to discuss their own experiences.

Further information

For further information about this research project contact the project leader Simon Ford or Letizia Mortara

Related research

• Technology intelligence : Monitoring science and technology developments
• Open Innovation research
• Centre for Technology Management (CTM) research

Related reports

• Getting help with open innovation report
  This report may be downloaded (free).
• How to implement open innovation
  This report may be downloaded (free).