Are Formal Technology Integration Processes Needed for Successful Product Innovations?

Abstract

It has been documented in the prior research that there is a gap between technology development and product development. We explore a set of propositions through review of previous research and a case study from the semiconductor industry. Although the literature suggests that for successful integration of technologies into products, formal technology integration process and technology portfolio management are highly recommended to prevent a misalignment between technology development and product development processes, our results are indicating that formality of these processes may not be necessary. However, recognition of the importance of the integration process and development of organisational capability to allow the process evolve with various statuses of technological readiness as well as organisational maturity, are critical to successful NPD.

Look for New Opportunities in Existing Technologies

“…Development follows; in this phase, the opportunities for harvesting value from the technology are explored. In technology integration, the final phase of the process, a new product that leverages the technology is launched in the market (Chang, Hsu, and Tsai 1999;Daim 2013;Iansiti 2000;Kirchberger and Pohl 2016).…”