Technology and innovation has received substantial research attention from a multitude of perspectives during the last 40 years. Typically, technology development often has a fuzzy goal of building knowledge or demonstrating feasibility, is characterized by a high degree of initial uncertainty, and is in need of extensive experimentation. Adopting structure and normative models in this type of development is a balancing act between the rational needs of the corporation and the need for exploration and innovation.

The purpose of the research project is to develop operational support for companies pursuing innovation and technology development. Two different approaches to managing the inherent uncertainty in technology development are explored: applying a platform formulation and describing the technology development process in the form of a normative model. A qualitative research approach has been chosen focusing primarily on one particular company, Volvo Aero Corporation (VAC). VAC is characterized by low production volume, complex products, and business-to-business relationships with a limited customer base.

Ulf Högman, industrial PhD student (Volvo Aero)
Dr Hans Johannesson, professor, project leader