Documentation and Analysis of Developing Technology Strategy in a Large Iranian Economic Organization

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Faculty Member, Department of Management and Economics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Ph.D Student in Technology Management, Department of Management and Economics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Technology strategy is one of the most important tools of technology management. Despite the abundance of literature on the subject, there has been limited research on technology strategy formulation for large and multi-businesses firms. Thus, this article focuses on the study of technology strategy development activities in a large economic organization to document and analyze these activities and compare them with the common methods using the documents and interviews. Based on the results, a new classification is proposed which includes four technology strategies for improvement, competition, reconfiguration and transformation. The research results show that the necessary mastery in technology management concepts is not noticed at the different levels of the organization, and accordingly, most of the appropriate activities expected from the holding companies to develop the strategies have not been accomplished. Although the pressure of senior managers is the main reason for formulating the technology strategy, its lack of continuity in the medium term has led to the lack of full implementation and failure to evaluate the results. Further, formulation of the technology strategy is time- consuming and there are many knowledge gaps and deficiencies in the field of technology management. Therefore, it is recommended that an integrated approach be adopted that includes implementation, evaluation of results and change of structures. Furthermore, it is recommended that defining the life cycle, the way of acquiring technology and the timing of product introduction be taken into consideration.

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