n Model vir die Horisontale Oordrag van Tegnologie binne 'n Bepaalde Onderneming

Abstract

The effective use of technology requires an understanding of, and ability to manage technology in a deliberate and proactive manner. Since the rate of economic development is related to the rate of technological development and exploitation, improving the understanding of the technology transfer process is of prime importance to all organizations (not only those in 'high-tech' industries). In an attempt to improve the organization's working knowledge regarding technology transfer and technology management processes this report reviews inter-alia the concepts of technology and technology transfer, the transfer process in general, problems and practicalities of technology transfer, sources of technology, determinants of technology activities, nature of public response to technology, the role played by technology gatekeepers, ahd management methods and techniques. Due to the complexity of the technology transfer process, no single universally applicable model for utilizing technology for growth and/or survival can be prescribed. Every company needs its own unique organizational and procedural systems for transferring technology from the group that has originated it to the group that is going to use it. A company's technology strategy formulation must however be -iibuilt on an analysis and development of the company's technological core. Technologies must form the building blocks of strategy, not just products and markets. Results of an audit on the existing ability of a specific organization to manage the technology transfer process, is reported. The issues include: technology strategy, resources available for technology transfer, sources of technology, capacity to forecast technology development trends and competitors strategies relevant to new technologies, mechanisms used to identify, define and incorporate technologies into the existing perceived ment and technological context, gatekeeper networks, factors and experienced to foster/inhibit technology managetransfer, and the capability of upper, middle and first level management to deal with new technologies. Bases upon a survey of the literature, and the results of the audit conducted in a specific organization, a technology transfer improvement methodology is suggested.