Implementing high-technology intelligence at national level organizations: An action research study

Abstract

Technology intelligence (TI) activities are those activities which support decision-making of technological and general management concerns by timely preparation of relevant information on technological facts and trends by means of collection, analysis and dissemination. Thus, TI is one of the important and critical processes of management of technology that includes technology forecasting, monitoring and assessment concepts.  Implementation of TI activities at national level organizations results in a system for high-technology decision makers which provides them not only a general view of relevant technologies but also the important trends of such technologies so they can make proper decisions for technology acquisitions. No models have not been developed for implementation of high technology intelligence in developing countries based on their different context so far. The main purpose of this research is to develop a model for designing roadmap for implementing high-technology systems at national level organizations in developing countries. The following project process is characterized as an oscillation between information accumulation, discourse, and practical action i.e action research. First based on literature review six dimensions of technology intelligence including management of intelligence processes, goals and Startegies, structures and human resourses, tools, cycles were conceptualized. By a conceptual framework relationships of the main dimensions and their sub dimensions were presented .Structured and semi structured interviews ,expert workshops were performed to design the appropriate roadmap model including different layers ,connection of layers and critical milestones based on the theoretical framework. For evaluation, the model was customized for a national level high technology based organization (action planning) and then implemented .Based on action results the model was corrected and revised .As conclusion a conceptual framework for roadmap designing was recommended.