Technology development productivity : case studies in technology transition

Abstract

Development of new technology is critical to the growth and success of technology-driven companies. New technology is generated in a number of ways, one of the most important being the company's own internal research and development department. This thesis examines the transfer of technology developed in an internal R&D group into product development groups across multiple business units of the company. An analysis of the company's documented development process activities and metrics will establish the context in which technology is transferred. The company's organizational structure is a central R&D group that supports two market-focused business units, each with their own technology development group. A series of five case studies tracking technology that was developed in the central R&D group and transferred to the business units will illustrate the way technology development activity occurs in the organization. The R&D organization is structured to support research, applied research, and development activities that drive both incremental and radical innovation, and it is managed to support a balance of short term and long term strategic goals.

(cont.) The case studies highlight the fact that project definition should include attention to the goal the project is intended to achieve, the type of innovation used to achieve that goal, recognition of the phase or maturity of technological research in that area, and how those aspects of the project should shape the development process and plans for communication and collaboration.