THREE VIEWS OF TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT: PULL, PUSH AND STRATEGIC

摘要

Historically, there are three principal approaches to technology management: mission pull, technology push and strategic investment. In the case of "mission pull" research and development (R&D), technology tasks are managed in close concert with specific mission and/or system development projects. Such R&D efforts tend to be subsystem-oriented and planned in response to already identified system requirements. In the case of "technology push" R&D, activities tend to be organized according to specific technical disciplines (e.g., "aerothermodynamics" or "materials and structures"). This type of R&D effort tends to be more researcher-defined, and only loosely (if at all) related to prospective future mission and/or system applications. Finally, the third type of effort is that of the "Strategic Technology R&D". In this case, investments on grounded in higher-level functional requirements that are associated with a number of prospective system applications (e.g., "deep-throttling cryogenic rocket engines", or " highly autonomous robotic systems"). Not surprisingly, the specific management requirements and the types of tools that are appropriate for effective and efficient management of technology R&D differs considerably for each of these three types of investment.This paper reviews each of these three types of technology R&D programs and will discuss examples of each from past space system and technology programs. The detailed goals and objectives of effective and efficient R&D management for each type are identified, with both differences and similarities highlighted. Specific examples of technology management practices, tools and outcomes are discussed. The paper concludes with a summary discussion of future directions for technology management tools and practices in light of the varying goals and objectives of senior decision makers.