Paper for the EUNETIC-Conference on "Evolutionary Economics of Technological Change: Assessment of Results and New Frontiers", European Parliament, Strasbourg, October, 6-8, 1994

: Wichert-Nick, D. von; Reger, G.

Abstract
Technology is the knowledge about scientific and technical interdependencies that can be used in order to solve technical problems. Only if an enterprise has command over a technology or, more and more likely, several technologies, will it be able to develop new products in time and thereby expand its competitive advantages. Consequently, the main task of research and development (R&D) management is the creation and improvement of technological potentials which are preserved in the aggregated knowledge of the company. In this contribution an organizational framework will be considered that creates the setting for an efficient R&D management in enterprises. As a background, firstly future challenges and their impacts on R&D are considere d. Secondly, two general models will be presented that describe how R&D management reacted to past challenges and how it is going to develop in the future. Finally, based on these general insights and a short description of the main characteristics of l earning organisations, a model of a learning organization for R&D management will be created that encompasses both the organisational structure as well as its culture. ... . . .