Title: A structured approach for monitoring science and technology developments

Authors: W. Bradford Ashton, Bruce R. Kinzey, Marvin E. Gunn

Addresses: Senior Program Manager, Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, 370 1'Enfant Promenade S. W., Suite 900, Washington D.C. 20024-2115, USA. ' Research Engineer, Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, 370 1'Enfant Promenade S. W., Suite 900, Washington D.C. 20024-2115, USA. ' Program Manager, Office of Conservation, US Dept. of Energy, Washington D.C., USA

Abstract: The increasingly global nature of advanced science and technology demands the use of dedicated S&T information monitoring programmes in both public and private sectors. It is necessary to keep abreast of international S&T advances of competitive organizations and to follow world-wide technological change in order to ensure organizational health. Many organizations still do not have a dedicated S&T monitoring programme, however, or assume that efforts of individuals or isolated groups are sufficient. This paper describes a structured approach to assembling and operating an international S&T monitoring programme. A schematic diagram outlining the overall internal and external aspects of the programme is given, and each of these aspects is examined in turn. Recommendations are included for implementing such programmes. Finally, a case study is reviewed, involving the International Research Monitoring Program of the US Department of Energy, correlating aspects of the programme with those outlined in the schematic.

Keywords: international science and technology; technology strategy; R&D investment planning; technology monitoring; competitive analysis; technology transfer; research and development; research monitoring.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1991.025877

International Journal of Technology Management, 1991 Vol.6 No.1/2, pp.91- 111

Published online: 25 May 2009 *

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