School of Future Studies and Planning

Technology Forecasting and Technology Management

TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY FOR THE ENTERPRISE

Organizing technology at the enterprise level is part of corporate planning function and is a continuous process. This can be divided into the following three streams:
Replacement of obsolete technologies with newer ones
Development and introduction of new products with a

view to Diversify.
Setting up of new unite.

Technological changes at the enterprise level should take cognizance of the following:
Country's changing economic scenario Changing cultural and living standards Government policies including those with respect to

import and export and their effect on cost.

Global changes taking place in the range of products

affecting the economic scene and living standards

 Intensity in competition Economics and sociology of conservation and pollution

control consciousness created as- a result of Government policies and pressures.

TECHNOLOGY GAPS AND ENTERPRISE NEEDS

Identifying the gaps at the enterprise level:

Feedback data on the performance of: Existing equipment Failure analysis report Comparing productivity Cost of production Quality Acceptable standards.

 Feedback data on basic product parameters other competitors keeping watch on their plans and activities. Technology scanning by product groups. Interaction with customers, foreign companies Interaction with consultancy organizations, institutions, etc. Mapping the international technological status Obtaining quotations

 Engaging foreign consultants Clearly defining the technology life cycle of new products Energy conservation and pollution control policies and

strategies

Management of technology at the enterprise level

The management of technology at the enterprise level

requires that the technology management group should receive necessary inputs
Based on these inputs the Technology Management Group

should identify gaps in technology and formulate possible new technology alternatives.

 The plan of action to implement possible strategy for new technology alternatives may include:
Resource analysis of the company in terms of availability of

technological, expertise, finances, skills and equipment.

Analysis of Customer needs and the time frame of validity
Analyze the global data regarding the state of art of the

technology and the markets

Identify the route technology acquisition vs. in-house

development

Technology evaluation has following three critical parameters

Resource analysis by the Enterprise Techno-commercial considerations of customer Techno-commercial considerations of the enterprise

The technology proposed to be acquired from outside may be examined with respect to the following:
Adaptability and reliability of operation and maintenance

Suitability of indigenous raw materials and other local

endowments
Major technical features/parameters of the product/process Performance and reliability indicators of the products/process

 Phased manufacturing programmed, if relevant Government, guidelines for import of technology Up gradation guidelines and the costs involved Participation by foreign collaborator Competitiveness and reputation of the licensor's products

in the Indian and world markets

Willingness on the part of the collaborator to assist the

licensee in attending the site problems

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND ABSORPTION

The normal modes of transfer are:

Turnkey joint ventures
Technical know-how licensing One time purchase Vetting, modernization through Technology Development

Fund (TDF) schemes

Purchase of prototypes and drawings.

Guidelines for transfer and absorption of imported technology

Continuous monitoring of technology transfer plan
Training of engineers in identified areas

Analysis of documentation, technical information etc

Entrusting the R&D group with the responsibility to carry

out product improvement research

Associate the Technology Management Group from the

initial stages-of technology transfer plans

MONITORING THE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROCESS

The major changes which need monitoring at the organization level are:
Market trends
Technological up gradation State of art R&D Another imported aspect which the enterprise has to keep

in view is the fastly changing scenario in India

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The four major resources required for acquiring and managing the technology are:
Finance Human resources Raw materials

Infrastructure

Development & Training of Human Resources

An enterprise should identify Human Resources (HR) as

one of the essential component of project planning. It is essential that HR expert be associated from the beginning.
Technology change fast human resource do not develop

that fast
Technology may be there but skilled labour to operate that

technology may not be available.

Institutional Sources for technical Manpower in India

Factors Responsible for poor productivity

Resistance to change
Poor educational background Shortage of skilled man power High turnover of employees Poor documentation

 Poor maintenance

Lack of proper attitude and motivation

Inadequate monitoring facilities Lack of opportunities

Thank Youfor your kind co-operation

By:

Saurav