Overview of evolution in study of external technology search

Early identification of external technology threats and opportunities has been a key driver for innovations for a long time and for more basic survival in face of rapid technology changes more recently. To capture its various facets, formalized studies of such external information gathering have gone through an evolution over time. Simplifying the concept to its core value of “External Technology Search” (ETS), we have found that many researchers have tackled this work under different headings including technology intelligence[1][2][3], technology foresight[4], technology scouting[1][5][6], and technical intelligence[7], [8]. We use the term ETS as the umbrella term to cover these multiple terms in the literatures with the goal of providing a better cohesive view of this field for the practitioners. In this brief literature review, the evolution of this area has been documented. ETS needs to be defined and implemented more systematically in organization so that ETS can more effectively drive the positive progress need. In spite of some good efforts by researchers so far, ETS remains in the early stages of maturity under both academic standards and industry applications.