Technology Mining and The Technology Delivery System

Extended Abstract – TECHMINING FOR MoT AND CTI session at “1st Global TechMining Conference” 2011

Author: Cherie Courseault Trumbach, University of New Orleans

This paper investigates the integration of the technology mining and the technology delivery system. It looks at the various types of technology mining and matches sources and methods to various points of the delivery system. It presents a model of technology mining that brings together the Technology Delivery System and incorporates the life cycle of enabling technologies.

The Technology Delivery System (TDS) was introduced in a paper by Wenk and Kuehn in 1977. It describes the development of a technology as a system that extends beyond the technological aspects but to the institutional and social systems that impact the delivery of the technology. It helps to put a focus around scanning and learning activities, specifically toward activities that will contribute to the successful development and deployment of a technology. This model maps the factors that factors that most contribute to that development including the social, political, competitive, and of course technological factors.

The TDS has been expanded and integrated into the discussion of technology mining by Porter as a means to provide a context to innovation indicators (Figure 1). However, the link between two is at a general level (Porter, et al, 2006). According to Roper et, al (2011),

Figure 1 The Technology Delivery System reprinted from Porter (2006)

The TDS has four basic elements.

1. Inputs to the system, including capital, natural resources, manpower, tools, knowledge from the basic and applied research and human values.
2. Institutions and organizations, public and private that play a role in the operation of the TDS or that modify and control its output
3. System Processes by which institutions interact through information linkages, market, political, legal, and social means
4. System Outcomes, including both the intended and unintended effects on the social and physical environment.

This report will propose particular scanning activities and sources, matching technology mining indicators to particular aspects of the Technology Delivery System. Such a presentation framework can provide critical information to a manager in identifying gaps and inconsistencies in the information available. Thus, answering additional questions, such as does the R&D match the enterprises involved.

2 thoughts on “Technology Mining and The Technology Delivery System

  1. Actually, the Technology Delivery System was intrduced by Dr. Arthur Ezra in his paper, “Technology Utilization: Incentives and Solar Energy” (28 February 1975, Volume 187, Number 4178)

  2. Correction, as cited by Dr. Ezra in his Science paper, it was:

    E. Wenk, Jr., chairman, “Priorities for research applicable to national needs” (Committee
    on Public Engineering Policy, National Academy of Engineering, Washington, D.C., 1973), p. 2.

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