Author Description

Product Description The capacity for technology businesses to grow and change with the times is linked to how these businesses develop and market technological innovations. Despite the importance of technological changes for corporate vitality, there are documented instances of corporations failing to capitalize on technological opportunities. Innovation outcome is contingent upon a match between a firm's internal capabilities and its external context. Technological Innovation addresses specific ways in which the slim odds of corporate success can be enhanced. It analyzes why companies choose certain new technologies, from a technological, economic, and institutional perspective. Based on multidisciplinary research on technological choice, the book bridges research and practice to provide an enlightening and practical study. Book Description Why do managers take technology as a black box and do not try to assess or manage it? Some companies, better than others, have recognized the potential of technological breakthroughs, such as the personal computer, VCR, and fax machine. For instance, RCA, a recognized leader in broadcasting, chose not to invest in FM technology. Xerox was amongst the first few to develop the personal computer but failed to commercialize it. Sony was unable to reap benefits from its Betamax technology even though it was superior to its competitor, VHS. The list of such "technological oversights" is endless.Similarly, there are several instances of "technological foresights." Sun Microsystems was among the first to realize the potential of reduced instruction set computing (RISC) chips that are now revolutionizing the computer industry. Though, initially, it could think of no good uses for a not-too-sticky adhesive, 3M has reaped millions from Post-It Note pads.This book suggests why these oversights and foresights occur, and, what actions managers must take for firms to increase their "hit-rates" or "batting-averages." About t