Abstract
Evolution of new technologies and new products originates
from industrial innovation processes, from academic
research communities and from specialised research and
development laboratories in the public and private
sector. Efficient means for technology diffusion and
technology transfer are necessary for the sharing of
commonly usable knowledge, and for the utilisation of
public investments in technology. The rational model of
R&D supposes the use of planning, project organisation
and project management techniques. However, little is
known about how successful or efficient this approach is
for such delicate and complex activities.
This study is focused on methods, implementation and
performance of contract research at one unit of VTT. The
study provides an internal view of contract research,
based on actual technical and administrational documents
and assessments of project managers. Altogether 59
projects are analysed, covering the years 1983 - 1992.
The philosophical and methodological framework for
technology development are introduced. The analysis
includes carriers of technological information, cultural,
organisational and managerial impacts and human cognitive
constraints. A special emphasise is on R&D contracts:
matching the industrial innovation process with the
contract laboratory's service concept and core
competence.
The empirical part of the study covers different phases
of contract research: project implementation and control,
research and design methods and performance attributes of
the work. The study exposes an established contract
implementation pattern, controlled by mature project
control techniques. This results in fair technical
success of projects. More attention should be paid to
organisational learning and technology transfer.
Suggested approaches are activation of the client's
organisation, flexible arrangements for technological
co-operation and conditions for accumulation of core
competence.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor Degree |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 12 Jun 1995 |
Place of Publication | Espoo |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 951-38-4765-9 |
Publication status | Published - 1995 |
MoE publication type | G4 Doctoral dissertation (monograph) |
Keywords
- contract research
- R&D management
- research management
- technology transfer
- project management
- innovation
- electronics engineering
- software engineering
- research methods
- process development
- technology development