Developing a Model for Technological Capability Assessment — Case of Automotive Parts Manufacturers in Iran

Abstract

Technology assessment provides the requirements for decision-making with regard to development of technological capabilities. This paper presents a model for assessment of technological capability level of firms. This model was tested on 10 manufacturers of automotive parts in Iran. We choose some technology capability assessment models as the basis of our assessment model. Then, using field study by questionnaire and site visit, these firms' capability level was assessed. Results indicate that in most cases there are lack of appropriate soft aspects of technological capability like managerial, human and knowledge aspects, smooth and balanced technological capability, and appropriate tacit knowledge.

The challenges of radical innovation in Iran: Knowledge transfer and absorptive capacity highlights — Evidence from a joint venture in the construction sector

“…However, our research studied various knowledge transfers and transfer attempts between Freyssinet and Azaran, and our findings indicate that the transfer of both tacit and explicit knowledge between partners was difficult in this case. Our research contributes to strengthening existing empirical studies in Iranian settings (Madani et al, 2012;Mohammadi et al, 2014;Chu et al, 2014;Pool et al, 2014;Mehralian et al, 2014;Ghazinoory & Soofi, 2012;Akhavan et al, 2013;Darvish et al, 2012;Ranjbarfard et al, 2013). To understand Azaran's inability to integrate tacit and explicit knowledge and Freyssinet's ability to integrate tacit knowledge, we investigated the reasons for these differences in the light of absorptive capacity.…”

“…These were cross-checked via triangulation, which was very useful in comparing the perspectives of various stakeholders (Easton, 1995;Miles and Huberman, 1994).…”

“…Both types are needed, for instance, in knowledge transfer (Madani et al, 2012) and in the development of technological capabilities (Mohammadi et al, 2014). Explicit and tacit knowledge are two distinctive and complementary layers that contribute to the development of the Iranian National Innovation System (Chu et al, 2014).…”

“…In studying Iranian SMEs, Nowshahr, Pool et al (2014) argued that organizational cultures and traits have significant impacts on the employees' attitudes to knowledge sharing. Iranian firms face difficulties in managing tacit knowledge (Mohammadi et al, 2014).…”

The concept supply chain technological capability in case of new product development process

“…Recently, Mohammadi et al (2014) focused on the model for TC assessment for the suppliers of IKCO. They mentioned a conceptual model for TC assessment aspects includes organising and managing, knowledge, human and hard aspects.…”