Harnessing a global network of Technology Experts

About this Publication

In a world of widely distributed knowledge, many companies now accept that they need to search beyond their own boundaries for the technologies and innovations needed to support their pipeline of new products and services.

With so many, and varied, options available for scanning the technology horizon and making external connections, companies can ill afford to rely on ad-hoc processes. This is why leading firms – such as Deutsche Telekom - have, or are developing, structured technology scouting processes. These processes need to consider a number of key factors; the monitoring of technologies across a wide range of technical fields or industries, identifying external technology with potential, and the locating and acquiring of the new technology. However, perhaps the most important factor – but often least recognized – is the technologies intended transfer into the organization and its adaptation and integration. The reality is that new ideas and technologies are rarely greeted with ‘open arms’. But, even if there are no ‘not invented here’ issues, finding the right pathway for converting an outside technology into a profitable solution for the business is far from easy; and it is only when the technology has been introduced successfully, can it be claimed that the scouting process is a success.

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Key Insights