Proposing a Framework for Technology Planning at Industry Level

摘要

Whereas technology planning primarily concerns with selection of proper technologies and setting priorities to develop firm technological capabilities, crucial role of technology in supporting national prosperity and security highlights the need for technology planning at industry level (TPIL). The lack of an appropriate methodology for TPIL has forced practitioners and scholars to adapt firm- or national-level methodologies to industry level by some amendments. But, TPIL requires a specific methodology which considers requirements and characteristics of industry level. In this paper, we develop an industry-level methodology for technology planning through in-depth case study. A qualitative approach based on the grounded theory has been applied. Starting with minimalist prior constructs deep into a substantive issue (TPIL process in this case), we interactively tested and formed theoretical constructs. For this purpose, a series of semi-structured interviews were organized and accomplished with top and middle managers of Iran Oil & Gas industry. Moreover, some interviews with university faculty members having experience in TPIL were conducted. Based on eighteen interviews, 529 initial codes, 150 final codes, 50 categories and 17 themes were explored. Finally, a general framework which consists of three main levels (reference, portfolio and option level) has been proposed.