Technology scouting

{{Futures studies}}

Technology scouting is an element of technology management in which

:(1) emerging technologies are identified,

:(2) technology related information is channeled into an organization, and

:(3) supports the acquisition of technologies.{{Cite journal|last=Rohrbeck|first=René|date=2010-03-01|title=Harnessing a network of experts for competitive advantage: technology scouting in the ICT industry|journal=R&D Management|language=en|volume=40|issue=2|pages=169–180|doi=10.1111/j.1467-9310.2010.00601.x|s2cid=154201060|issn=1467-9310}}{{Cite journal|last=Wolff|first=Michael F.|title=Scouting for Technology|date=1992|jstor=24156524|journal=Research Technology Management|volume=35|issue=2|pages=10–12}}

It is a starting point of a long term and interactive matching process between external technologies and internal requirements of an existing organization for strategic purposes.{{cite journal|last1=Holzmann|first1=Thomas|last2=Sailer|first2=Klaus|last3=Galbraith|first3=Brendan|last4=Katzy|first4=Bernhard R.|title=Matchmaking for open innovation – theoretical perspectives based on interaction, rather than transaction|journal=Technology Analysis & Strategic Management|date=23 June 2014|volume=26|issue=6|pages=595–599|doi=10.1080/09537325.2014.913344|s2cid=8890066}} This matching may also be aided by technology roadmapping.{{Cite journal|last1=Phaal|first1=Robert|last2=Farrukh|first2=Clare J.P.|last3=Probert|first3=David R.|title=Technology roadmapping—A planning framework for evolution and revolution|journal=Technological Forecasting and Social Change|volume=71|issue=1–2|pages=5–26|doi=10.1016/s0040-1625(03)00072-6|year=2004}} Technology scouting is also known to be part of competitive intelligence, which firms apply as a tool of competitive strategy.{{Cite journal|last=Brenner|first=Merrill S.|date=1996-09-01|title=Technology intelligence and technology scouting|journal=Competitive Intelligence Review|language=en|volume=7|issue=3|pages=20–27|doi=10.1002/cir.3880070306|issn=1520-6386}} It can also be regarded as a method of technology forecasting{{Cite journal|last1=Bodelle|first1=Jacques|last2=Jablon|first2=Claude|date=1993-09-01|title=Science and Technology Scouting at Elf Aquitaine|journal=Research-Technology Management|volume=36|issue=5|pages=24–28|doi=10.1080/08956308.1993.11670924|issn=0895-6308}} or in the broader context also an element of corporate foresight.Rohrbeck, Rene (2010) Corporate Foresight: Towards a Maturity Model for the Future Orientation of a Firm, Physica-Verlag, Heidelberg and New York, {{ISBN|978-3-7908-2625-8}} Technology scouting may also be applied as an element of an open innovation approach.{{Cite journal|last1=Spitsberg|first1=Irene|last2=Brahmandam|first2=Sudhir|last3=Verti|first3=Michael J.|last4=Coulston|first4=George W.|date=2013-07-01|title=Technology Landscape Mapping: At the Heart of Open Innovation|journal=Research-Technology Management|volume=56|issue=4|pages=27–35|doi=10.5437/08956308X5604107|s2cid=153099807|issn=0895-6308}}{{Cite journal|last1=Rohrbeck|first1=René|last2=Hölzle|first2=Katharina|last3=Gemünden|first3=Hans Georg|date=2009-09-01|title=Opening up for competitive advantage – How Deutsche Telekom creates an open innovation ecosystem|journal=R&D Management|language=en|volume=39|issue=4|pages=420–430|doi=10.1111/j.1467-9310.2009.00568.x|s2cid=153682248|issn=1467-9310}} Technology scouting is seen as an essential element of a modern technology management system.{{Cite journal|last1=Edler|first1=Jakob|last2=Meyer-Krahmer|first2=Frieder|last3=Reger|first3=Guido|date=2002-03-01|title=Changes in the strategic management of technology: results of a global benchmarking study|journal=R&D Management|language=en|volume=32|issue=2|pages=149–164|doi=10.1111/1467-9310.00247|issn=1467-9310}}

The technology scout is either an employee of the company or an external consultant who engages in boundary spanning processes to tap into novel knowledge and span internal boundaries.{{Cite journal|last1=Klueter|first1=Thomas|last2=Monteiro|first2=Felipe|date=2017-06-01|title=How Does Performance Feedback Affect Boundary Spanning in Multinational Corporations? Insights from Technology Scouts|journal=Journal of Management Studies|language=en|volume=54|issue=4|pages=483–510|doi=10.1111/joms.12252|s2cid=158036607 |issn=1467-6486}} They may be assigned part-time or full-time to the scouting task. The desired characteristics of a technology scout are similar to the characteristics associated with the technological gatekeeper. These characteristics include being a lateral thinker, knowledgeable in science and technology, respected inside the company, cross-disciplinary orientated, and imaginative personality. Technology scouts would also often play a vital role in a formalised technology foresight process.{{Cite journal|last=Reger|first=Guido|date=2001-12-01|title=Technology Foresight in Companies: From an Indicator to a Network and Process Perspective|journal=Technology Analysis & Strategic Management|volume=13|issue=4|pages=533–553|doi=10.1080/09537320127286|s2cid=8598335|issn=0953-7325}}