Managing Technological Innovation

The management of technological innovation is both an art, as well as a science; the process involves the know-how and technological core skills to deliver the functionality on the one hand, and (with an ear on the ground) the ability to identify changes in technologies to come up with new innovations on the other. This requires, as a result, frameworks, system tools, and methodologies to improve the yield in innovations.

Managing Technological Innovation provides a set of tools and case studies for R&D managers to effectively manage technological innovations — from the identifying of technological needs to the launch of the product. The book is divided into five parts. Part 1 addresses the policies and strategies necessary to provide direction to R&D organizations in the management of technological innovation. Part 2 focuses on technological assessment; presenting the methods available to better matching of technologies to strategic directions, supported with case studies to illustrate the evaluation methods. Part 3 covers the development and building of technological portfolios with new products, as well as mitigation strategies. Part 4 focus on the execution phase of built portfolios — the development of new products. And finally, Part 5 rounds up with a study on the factors which impact the diffusion of technological innovations into the market place.

This book is a practical guide for R&D professions and designers, as well as a case study reference for graduate students in pursuit of their project work.