Menu
Home
People
Places
Arts
History
Plants & Animals
Science
Life & Culture
Technology
Reference.org
Technology scouting
open-in-new
<p>Technology scouting is an element of <a href="/facts/Technology_management/Gp3Rzsq3">technology management</a> in which </p> (1) <a href="/facts/Emerging_technologies/9Aoq6j9S">emerging technologies</a> are identified, (2) technology related information is channeled into an organization, and (3) supports the acquisition of technologies.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:1" href="#fn:1"><sup>1</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:2" href="#fn:2"><sup>2</sup></a> <p>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. This matching may also be aided by <a href="/facts/Technology_roadmap/ov21IlGM">technology roadmapping</a>. Technology scouting is also known to be part of <a href="/facts/Competitive_intelligence/4gHQIJzJ">competitive intelligence</a>, which firms apply as a tool of competitive strategy. It can also be regarded as a method of <a href="/facts/Technology_forecasting/Lajn7I5l">technology forecasting</a> or in the broader context also an element of <a href="/facts/Corporate_foresight/CTpws3Fl">corporate foresight</a>. Technology scouting may also be applied as an element of an open innovation approach. Technology scouting is seen as an essential element of a modern technology management system. </p><p>The technology scout is either an employee of the company or an external consultant who engages in <a href="/facts/Boundary_spanning/m9CKuhbl">boundary spanning</a> processes to tap into novel knowledge and span internal boundaries. 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 <a href="/facts/Lateral_thinking/45oCD8Nc">lateral thinker</a>, 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. </p>