Strategic control of technology in diversified companies with decentralized R&D

Abstract

This paper analyzes current trends in the strategic management of technology in a sample of 25 companies. It is particularly concerned with the balance of responsibility between the corporate level and the business unit level for accumulation of technological assets. It is argued that preuious tendencies to decentralize these issues, along with K & D operations, to the business unit level are being partially rtversed. A new paradigm of corporate management of technological assets is identified. This analysis is then used in conjunction with existing taxonomies of innovation strategy and corporate strategy to propose a new taxonomy of corporate technology strategies.