DEVELOPING A MODEL FOR TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT — CASE OF AUTOMOTIVE PARTS MANUFACTURERS IN IRAN

Technology assessment provides the requirements for decision-making with regard to development of technological capabilities. This paper presents a model for assessment of technological capability level of firms. This model was tested on 10 manufacturers of automotive parts in Iran. We choose some technology capability assessment models as the basis of our assessment model. Then, using field study by questionnaire and site visit, these firms' capability level was assessed. Results indicate that in most cases there are lack of appropriate soft aspects of technological capability like managerial, human and knowledge aspects, smooth and balanced technological capability, and appropriate tacit knowledge.