INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY ROADMAPPING TOOL TO AID THE DECISION-MAKING OF R&D INVESTMENTS

The technology planning activity that leads to an effective R&D portfolio must involve decisions that are taken under a considerable degree of uncertainty. In this paper, we describe an integrated technology planning approach with the focus on the use of technology roadmapping concept in a systematic process, using dedicated and customized software which utilizes integer linear programming (ILP) tools, to aid decision-makers in selecting the optimum portfolio of R&D projects in the manufacturing processes of large, high-technology companies. The optimum portfolio is based on the projects' contribution toward company's business and market requirements employing Strategic Technology Alignment Roadmapping (STAR) process, which is being developed at the University of Nottingham. The STAR methodology and the software tool have been tested in industrial scenarios using real data from two high-tech companies.