Technology management in `mul-tech´ corporations

The authors explore the nature of technology diversification at product and corporate level and show its strong impact on the growth of R&D expenditures and growth of corporate sales. The general purpose of the present project is to compare best management practices regarding R&D, technology, and innovation in Japan, the USA, and Europe, and try to assess the role of technology management in international competition. For this purpose interview series and questionnaire surveys in companies in the three areas were carried out. The emergence of mul-tech corporations, that is, corporations operating in many technologies, is demonstrated and empirical results indicate that mul-tech corporations grow faster than hi-tech corporations. However, in order to realize mul-tech-based growth it is of vital importance to gear technology management toward reaping economies of scope through communication and coordination, internally as well as with the external environment