Centre for Technology Management

A framework for supporting the management of technological knowledge

R. Phaal, C. Farrukh and D. Probert

Centre for Technology Management, Institute for Manufacturing, Engineering Department, University of Cambridge, UK

Abstract

Technology is a key driver for innovation and sustainable business growth. Whilst industrial interest in the area is growing, from an academic perspective the conceptual basis of the subject of technology management is fragmented and poorly defined. This paper describes a framework that has been developed to support practical and theoretical understanding of the management of technological innovation. At the heart of the framework are two sets of business processes that are important for effective technology management, including the three 'core' processes of strategy, innovation and operations, together with a set of five supporting technology management processes: identification, selection, acquisition, exploitation and protection. The framework supports the integration of these processes by focusing on the ‘pull’ and ‘push’ knowledge flows that need to occur between the commercial and technological functions within the firm.

Keywords: Technology management; knowledge management; conceptual frameworks; management representations; technology roadmapping.