Centre for Technology Management

The use of technology roadmapping as a tool to manage technology developments and maximise the value of research activity

R Brown, Consignia Research Group

R Phaal, University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering

Abstract

One of the biggest challenges facing Consignia and other postal organisations is how to maximise the value of its investments in technology. This becomes more important as competitive pressures increase and with the speed that technology is changing. The need for investments to deliver competitive advantage has never been greater and Consignia's ability to manage technology effectively at a strategic level will be essential in ensuring its success as a global distribution company. Technology roadmapping (TRM) is a technique developed by organisations whose success is dependent on their ability to exploit technology effectively to deliver new technology products. This is equally applicable to organisations who need to maximise value from technology investments. This work applied and developed the TRM technique for a service-based organisation, in the area of Research Planning. The results demonstrate how the technique can be successfully applied to a service-based organisation such as Consignia, and highlight the benefits of roadmapping as an effective tool to support strategic technology management.