The choice of technology intelligence methods in multinationals: towards a contingency approach

The effectiveness of technology management is fundamentally influenced by the quality of a firm's technology intelligence process, i.e. the acquisition and assessment of information on technological trends. Although there is a vast literature on different technology intelligence methods, there is a lack of research on the factors influencing the choice of appropriate technology intelligence methods in a specific situation. This paper presents the results of an exploratory case study research in 25 leading European and North American companies in the pharmaceutical, telecommunications equipment and automobile/machinery industries. Major contingency factors of the selection of technology intelligence methods in multinationals are identified and integrated into a contingency-based framework for the use of technology intelligence methods.

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