Lesson 3: Technological Innovation

Technological Innovation

•A body of knowledge and practice (often referring to the application of scientific knowledge, although the emphasis on scientific, is in fact, too narrow).

•As artefact and knowledge represent two of the components of the “bundles” of assets, such as specific forms of intellectual property, organisational capabilities, complemenetary technologies and even commercial brands that together provide potentially innovative products and services.

•Serves as cornerstone to research, design, development, manufacturing and marketing.

Artifacts, Knowledge, Mode of Enquiry and Action

3 something of innovation

AKM

Product mode of enquiry and action

might be a particular approach to research and development.

Product Knowledge

is about architecture and design.

Product Artifacts

are component technologies within the product.

Process knowledge

is about the systems of operation and control, craft practices, and so on that produce the product.

Process Artifacts

are the tools used in these systems and practices.

Process mode of enquiry

might be a particular approach to process improvement.

Invention

•Generate or realise a new idea, based on technology, capability or knowledge

Realisation

•Develop this into a reality or product

Implementation

Diffuse, implement and market this new idea, technology, capability or knowledge.

1770-1840 Early Mechanization

Textiles

Water Power

Canals

1840-1890 Steam power and railways

Steam Engines

Machine Tools

Railways

Steamships

1890-1950 Electrical and Heavy Engineering

Synthetic Dyes

Electricity

1920-1990

Fordist Mass Production

Autos

1970

Information and Communication technology

Airlines

Consumer durables

Petrochemicals

Process plant

Plastics

Highways

Armaments

Aluminium

2000 Life Sciences

Biotechonology

Space Satellites

Environmental Technology

Computers

Telecommunications

Software

CIM

New materials

ISDN

IT services