Tecnologia roadmapping

Technology ∗ Roadmapping
Abstract
The technology roadmapping method is used widely in industry to support technology strategy and planning. The approach was originally developed by Motorola more than 25 years ago, to support integrated product-technology planning. Since then the technique has been adapted and applied in a wide variety of industrial contexts, at the company and sector levels(for example, the International Semiconductor and UK Foresight Vehicle technology roadmaps). Technology roadmaps can take many forms, but generally comprise multi-layered time-based charts that enable technology developments to be aligned with market trends and drivers. This chapter provides an overview to the technology roadmapping approach, starting with an introduction to the topic of technologymanagement. Roadmapping is a very flexible approach, and the various aims that it can support are reviewed, together with the different formats that roadmaps take and the principles for customising the method. Also important is the process that is required to develop a good roadmap, and the chapter describes a method for rapid initiation of roadmapping in the business strategy, together with someof the characteristics of good roadmaps and the systems needed for supporting their application. Case examples are included to illustrate how the approach can be applied at the sector level, based on collaborative workshops.

Introduction
Technology-driven innovation is of increasing importance to industry and nations, as a means of achieving the economic, social and environmental goals that lieat the heart of sustainable development. The effective management of technology is becoming more challenging as the cost, complexity and pace of technology change increase, in a globally competitive market. The management of technology for business and national benefit requires effective processes and systems to be put in place to ensure that investment in R&D, facilities and skills is alignedwith market and industry needs, now and in the future.
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________________ Prepared by Robert Phaal, Centre for Technology Management, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Technology Roadmapping

The technology roadmapping method is used widely in industry to support technology strategy and planning. The approach was originally developed by Motorola more than 25 years ago, to supportintegrated product-technology planning. Since then the technique has been adapted and applied in a wide variety of industrial contexts, at the company and sector levels. Technology roadmaps can take many forms, but generally comprise multi-layered time-based graphical charts that enable technology developments to be aligned with market trends and drivers. This paper provides an overview to thetechnology roadmapping approach, starting with an introduction to the topic of technology management. Roadmapping is a very flexible approach, and the various aims that it can support are reviewed, together with the different formats that roadmaps take and the principles for customising the method. Also important is the process that is required to develop a good roadmap, and the paper describes a methodfor rapid initiation of roadmapping in organisations, together with some of the characteristics of good roadmaps and the systems needed for supporting their application. A case example is included to illustrate how the approach can be applied at the sector level, based on a series of collaborative workshops. Much of this paper focuses on the management of technology from the perspective of themanager at the firm level, where many of the techniques have evolved, but it should be recognised that the principles and approaches discussed can also be applied at the sector or national level.

Technology and the management of technology
There are many published definitions of ‘technology’ (for example, Floyd 1997, Whipp 1991, Steele 1989). Examination of these definitions highlights a...