A unified model of the technology push process and its application in a workshop setting

Abstract

The process of commercializing new technologies, i.e. of creating technology push innovations, is poorly understood and modeled in very different and heterogeneous ways in the academic literature. Furthermore, no framework exists up to now to allow for practical facilitation like Design Thinking supporting user-centric innovations. To tackle these shortcomings, this chapter aims to improve the understanding of the technology push process and take initial steps towards a practical methodological framework. The understanding is enhanced by creating a consolidated and unified model of the process which builds on a systematic literature review. Additionally, methods are identified, evaluated and combined into a workshop format for the most critical phase of technology application selection. A case example in a university setting shows that the workshop is well-suited to advance technologies. Both the process model and the workshop concept are relevant for the academic and practical contexts: The process model aids in better understanding the technology push process and unifies different views. The workshop is an essential first step in designing a systematic framework for practical technology push developments with concrete methods and tools. The methodology is new to the field of innovation management and forms a well-designed starting point for similar endeavors.