The effective harnessing of technology-based innovation opportunities calls for a dedicated set of skills based on technological acuity.
Technological acuity is defined as an all-encompassing grasp of the full range of technologies, and of the pathways along which they progress. This grasp requires broad technological edification, reflecting knowledge of both a macro and micro kind.The inclusion of the macro is particularly significant. It usually does not receive much attention in technical education.
At present no traditional academic discipline focuses on technological acuity. However, within the management of technology (MOT) community, there is a specialized field of knowledge designed to meet this need. It is called Strategic Technology Analysis (STA). It is based on a system of five analytical frameworks that:
- Characterize individual technological entities
- Classify technologies
- Track technological progress
- Chart constraints and breakthrough zones
- Profile social and environmental preferences
Strategic technology analysis (STA) could be considered as a foundation for all courses involving the interface between technology and management.
Copyright: Rias J. van Wyk, 2009.