Technology management and roadmapping at the firm level

Technology is a key resource in many firms, as a basis for generating competitive advantage, and as an enabler for many activities. Technology management frameworks, processes and tools provide the means through which this valuable resource can be managed to ensure that technological investments are aligned with business goals and systems. In this chapter a practical framework for technology management is presented, highlighting five key processes: identification, selection, acquisition exploitation and protection. Technology roadmapping is proposed as a key integrating framework and management method that supports the implementation of these processes in firms, bringing together technical and commercial perspectives to support innovation and strategy