(2) technology related information is channeled into an organization, and
(3) supports the acquisition of technologies.[1][2]
It is a starting point of a long term and interactive matching process between external technologies and internal requirements of an existing organization for strategic purposes.[3] This matching may also be aided by technology roadmapping.[4] Technology scouting is also known to be part of competitive intelligence, which firms apply as a tool of competitive strategy.[5] It can also be regarded as a method of technology forecasting[6] or in the broader context also an element of corporate foresight.[7] Technology scouting may also be applied as an element of an open innovation approach.[8][9] Technology scouting is seen as an essential element of a modern technology management system.[10]
The technology scout is either an employee of the company or an external consultant who engages in boundary spanning processes to tap into novel knowledge and span internal boundaries.[11] They may be assigned part-time or full-time to the scouting task. The desired characteristics of a technology scout are similar to the characteristics associated with the technological gatekeeper. These characteristics include being a lateral thinker, knowledgeable in science and technology, respected inside the company, cross-disciplinary orientated, and imaginative personality.[1] Technology scouts would also often play a vital role in a formalised technology foresight process.[12]
↑ 1.01.1Rohrbeck, René (2010-03-01). "Harnessing a network of experts for competitive advantage: technology scouting in the ICT industry" (in en). R&D Management40 (2): 169–180. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9310.2010.00601.x. ISSN1467-9310.
↑Wolff, Michael F. (1992). "Scouting for Technology". Research Technology Management35 (2): 10–12.
↑Holzmann, Thomas; Sailer, Klaus; Galbraith, Brendan; Katzy, Bernhard R. (23 June 2014). "Matchmaking for open innovation – theoretical perspectives based on interaction, rather than transaction". Technology Analysis & Strategic Management26 (6): 595–599. doi:10.1080/09537325.2014.913344.
↑Phaal, Robert; Farrukh, Clare J.P.; Probert, David R. (2004). "Technology roadmapping—A planning framework for evolution and revolution". Technological Forecasting and Social Change71 (1–2): 5–26. doi:10.1016/s0040-1625(03)00072-6.
↑Brenner, Merrill S. (1996-09-01). "Technology intelligence and technology scouting" (in en). Competitive Intelligence Review7 (3): 20–27. doi:10.1002/cir.3880070306. ISSN1520-6386.
↑Rohrbeck, Rene (2010) Corporate Foresight: Towards a Maturity Model for the Future Orientation of a Firm, Physica-Verlag, Heidelberg and New York, ISBN978-3-7908-2625-8
↑Spitsberg, Irene; Brahmandam, Sudhir; Verti, Michael J.; Coulston, George W. (2013-07-01). "Technology Landscape Mapping: At the Heart of Open Innovation". Research-Technology Management56 (4): 27–35. doi:10.5437/08956308X5604107. ISSN0895-6308.
↑Rohrbeck, René; Hölzle, Katharina; Gemünden, Hans Georg (2009-09-01). "Opening up for competitive advantage – How Deutsche Telekom creates an open innovation ecosystem" (in en). R&D Management39 (4): 420–430. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9310.2009.00568.x. ISSN1467-9310.
↑Edler, Jakob; Meyer-Krahmer, Frieder; Reger, Guido (2002-03-01). "Changes in the strategic management of technology: results of a global benchmarking study" (in en). R&D Management32 (2): 149–164. doi:10.1111/1467-9310.00247. ISSN1467-9310.
↑Klueter, Thomas; Monteiro, Felipe (2017-06-01). "How Does Performance Feedback Affect Boundary Spanning in Multinational Corporations? Insights from Technology Scouts" (in en). Journal of Management Studies54 (4): 483–510. doi:10.1111/joms.12252. ISSN1467-6486.
↑Reger, Guido (2001-12-01). "Technology Foresight in Companies: From an Indicator to a Network and Process Perspective". Technology Analysis & Strategic Management13 (4): 533–553. doi:10.1080/09537320127286. ISSN0953-7325.
↑Rohrbeck, René (2007). "Technology Scouting - a Case Study on the Deutsche Telekom Laboratories". SSRN1896150.
↑Savioz, Pascal (2006). "Technology intelligence systems: practices and models for large, medium-sized and start-up companies" (in en). International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning2 (4): 360. doi:10.1504/ijtip.2006.011707.
↑Lichtenthaler, Eckhard Rainer Volker (2002). Organisation der Technology intelligence: eine empirische Untersuchung der Technologiefrühaufklärung in technologieintensiven Grossunternehmen (Thesis). Zürich: Verlag Industrielle Organisation. ISBN978-3-85743-605-5. OCLC52477904.