Technology Scouting
Encyclopedia
Technology scouting can be regarded as a method of Technology forecasting
or in the broader context also an element of corporate foresight
. At the same time Technology Scouting also contributes to Technology Management
by (1) identifying emerging technologies, (2) channel technology related information into an organization, and (3) in a corporate context supports the acquision of technologies.
, knowledgeable in science and technology, respected inside the company, cross-disciplinary orientated, and imaginative.
Technology forecasting
Technology forecasting attempts to predict the future characteristics of useful technological machines, procedures or techniques.-Important aspects:...
or in the broader context also an element of corporate foresight
Corporate foresight
Corporate foresight is an ability that includes any structural or cultural element that enables the company to detect discontinuous change early, interpret the consequences for the company, and formulate effective responses to ensure the long-term survival and success of the company.The motivation...
. At the same time Technology Scouting also contributes to Technology Management
Technology Management
Technology Management is set of management disciplines that allows organizations to manage its technological fundamentals to create competitive advantage...
by (1) identifying emerging technologies, (2) channel technology related information into an organization, and (3) in a corporate context supports the acquision of technologies.
Technology scout
The technology scout is either an employee of the company or an external consultant. He or she 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 thinkerLateral thinking
Lateral thinking is solving problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be obtainable by using only traditional step-by-step logic...
, knowledgeable in science and technology, respected inside the company, cross-disciplinary orientated, and imaginative.
Technology scouting
Technology scouting is a systematic approach by companies whereby they assign part of their staff or employ external consultants to gather information in the field of science and technology and through which they facilitate or execute technology sourcing. Technology scouting is either directed at a specific technological area or undirected, identifying relevant developments in technological white spaces. Technology scouting relies on formal and informal information sources, including the personal networks of the scouts.See also
- Corporate foresightCorporate foresightCorporate foresight is an ability that includes any structural or cultural element that enables the company to detect discontinuous change early, interpret the consequences for the company, and formulate effective responses to ensure the long-term survival and success of the company.The motivation...
- Foresight (futures studies)
- FuturologyFuturologyFutures studies is the study of postulating possible, probable, and preferable futures and the worldviews and myths that underlie them. There is a debate as to whether this discipline is an art or science. In general, it can be considered as a branch under the more general scope of the field of...
- Strategic foresightStrategic foresightStrategic foresight is a fairly recent attempt to differentiate "futurology" from "futures studies". It arises from the premise that:*The future is not predictable;*The future is not predetermined; and...
- Technology forecastingTechnology forecastingTechnology forecasting attempts to predict the future characteristics of useful technological machines, procedures or techniques.-Important aspects:...