Managing internal technology transfer in complex product development
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to illustrate how the characteristics of complex product systems pose specific managerial challenges onto the transfer of new technology from technology development to product development.
Design/methodology/approach
The research relies on comparative case studies involving three cases of internal technology transfer processes in the development of electrical equipment and telecommunication systems.
Findings
The research findings suggest that managerial decisions on internal technology transfer should be guided by a contingency framework rather than general procedures and tools.
Research limitations/implications
Since the research is restricted to a limited number of case studies, additional studies are required to validate the findings.
Practical implications
The study results indicate that in cases of complex product development, there is a need for a more integrated view on technology and product development, than what is commonly described in the literature.
Originality/value
This article complements previous studies of the management of internal technology transfer processes, which primarily have addressed mass producing industries.
Keywords
Citation
Magnusson, T. and Johansson, G. (2008), "Managing internal technology transfer in complex product development", European Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 349-365. https://doi.org/10.1108/14601060810889008
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited