Technology transfer evaluation in the high technology industry: an interdisciplinary perspective

The objective of this study is to suggest a novel approach to evaluate the potential for commercialisation of a new technology by developing a framework. More specifically, this study will examine the 'ex-ante' evaluation of the technology transfer process, in this case where the final application falls in the asset management discipline. For this purpose, a case study focusing on a chosen technology stemming from the high technology sector will be used. The technology relates to the application of software for detection of weak signals which is an established method of signal processing in the field of astronomy. This technology has the potential to be used in areas other than astronomy with several possible applications in asset management such as detecting water leakage in pipes amongst others. The applicability to detect water leakage is chosen owing to several problems with detection in the industry as well as the impact it can have in saving water in the environment. This study, therefore, will demonstrate the importance of interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary technology transfer. The study will employ both technical and business evaluation methods including lab experiments and using the Delphi technique to address the research questions. In conclusion, the chosen technology's commercial potential will be tested through expert opinion thereby focusing on the impact of a new technology and the feasibility of alternate applications and potential future applications

An Innovative Technique for Water Leak Detection Stemming from Radio Astronomy : A Potential University Technology Transfer

There have been many documented cases of technology transfer from astronomy to other disciplines such as medicine, for example, a system for diagnosing breast cancer utilising software originally developed to mosaic planetary images. The approach taken in this research will involve using a technology originally developed for radio astronomy to detect water leaks in pipes that are part of water networks in various infrastructure systems. This is innovative research as it involves an interdisciplinary approach to explore a technology and evaluate its commercial potential. Experiments are underway in which signals from an acoustic phased array are amplified and digitized using a multichannel analogue-to-digital (ADC) converter and analysed using a software correlation technique to identify leak signatures. Therefore, the chosen technology’s commercialisibility will be tested for alternate applications which can be applied to infrastructures such as water networks. In addition, the importance of interdisciplinary research will also be reflected through this research

Micro foundations of strategic capability development: A case study within auto industry

The importance of firms’ adaptation processes is prominent in today’s business environment which is characterised by ever changing customers, technologies, and competition. Ever since Schumpeter’s (1942) classic work strategic renewal has been found crucial for firms’ adaptation to environmental change. The role of strategic renewal in firms’ adaptation processes includes development of capabilities for the purpose of sustainability of competitive advantage against environmental changes

Exploring microfoundations and multilevel mechanisms of absorptive capacity in an emerging economy: Empirical evidence from a leading car manufacturer Exploring microfoundations and multilevel mechanisms of absorptive capacity in an emerging economy: Empirical evidence from a leading car manufacturer

Purpose: Despite the importance of knowledge processes in building absorptive capacity, we are less clear about the micro-processes of absorptive capacity development and particularly about the role of individuals’ knowledge processes. Design/methodology/approach: This study empirically examined, via an in-depth case study, the microfoundations of absorptive capacity and their influence on building absorptive capacity in an automaker across the course of four product innovation projects. Findings: Findings suggested that dynamics in a knowledge environment informed individual-level tacit and explicit knowledge processes. In return, knowledge processes at the individual level informed organizational learning processes and the emergence of knowledge processes at organization level for acquisition, assimilation, transformation, and exploitation of new knowledge. Originality: This study contributes to the literature by revealing individuals’ knowledge processes from which absorptive capacity emerges. Practically, managers can use the findings of this study to promote certain knowledge processes to develop intended aspects of absorptive capacity at an individual level

Organisational knowledge integration towards a conceptual framework

This study analyses organisational knowledge integration processes from a multi-level and systemic perspective, with particular reference to the case of Fujitsu. A conceptual framework for knowledge integration is suggested focusing on team-building capability, capturing and utilising individual tacit knowledge, and communication networks for integrating dispersed specialist knowledge required in the development of new products and services. The research highlights that knowledge integration occurring in the innovation process is a result of knowledge exposure, its distribution and embodiment and finally its transfer, which leads to innovation capability and competitive advantage in firm

Diversity in Knowledge Management: A Cultural Approach. Discussion Paper No 181

This paper reviews diversity in knowledge management (KM) from a cultural perspective; it argues that culturally embedded theories and practices influence the practice of knowledge management. It further presents and analyses several case studies and in particular a case study of the Islamic culture focusing on its traditional approach to both Islamic knowledge and management. The analysis of this case reveals the cultural challenges that emerge in the process of applying essentially Western management theories within an Islamic culture with particular reference to knowledge management theories. The paper concludes that the concept of knowledge management must take into account the diversity of national culture in which the organization exists and that the concept of knowledge management will benefit from a diversity perspective rather than a universality perspective

Role of the techno parks in clustering of high-technology SMEs

This paper first provides a review of the science and technology park phenomena and analyses the recent trends in the relevant literature. It specifically aims to examine advantages of clustering and role of the networks of high growth firms within a technology park. By using a case study of an emerging South-East Queensland technology park to provide insights, the paper will focus on the nature of relationships and exchanges between firms and their stakeholders

Managing specialised knowledge in technopreneurial firms: the Australian experience

Technology-oriented young firms play an important role for innovation and commercialisation of new ideas. These firms are often founded by engineers, scientists or academics who posses great scientific/technological knowledge, but limited know-how in other aspects of managing a business including knowledge management. Successful managing and integrating their specialised knowledge is of particular importance when it comes to developing a new product or process. This article therefore focuses on the particularities of the knowledge management process in technopreneurial firms. Using a qualitative investigation from a sample of Australian SMEs, a number of key observations are derived which show the challenges of managing knowledge and how important knowledge management is as a management tool for R&D and innovation process in technology-oriented SMEs. Findings suggest that knowledge management and integration processes in these firms are very much project focused and mainly based on ad hoc and informal processes and not embedded within the overall organisational routines

Challenges of knowledge integration in small and medium enterprises

This study attempts to develop a better understanding of the challenges of knowledge integration (KI) within the innovation process in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Using several case studies, this study investigates how knowledge integration may be managed within the context of innovation in SMEs. The research places particular focus on identifying the challenges of knowledge integration in SMEs in relation to three aspects of knowledge integration activities, namely knowledge identification, knowledge acquisition, and knowledge sharing. Four distinct tasks emerged in the knowledge integration process, namely team building capability, capturing tacit knowledge, role of knowledge management (KM) systems, and technological systemic integration. The paper suggests that managing knowledge integration in SMEs can be best managed by focusing on these four tasks, which in turn will lead to innovation