A framework for strategic assessment of far-reaching technologies: A case study of Combined Heat and Power technology

Abstract

As the environmental issues, complexity and cost of technology implementation increases, the need and guidance approach for assessing technologies is becoming increasingly important for gaining competitive advantage in the market. A framework for assessment of far-reaching technology for clean power and heat generation is proposed in this paper. It is based on a case study of the dip-galvanizing process, in which the well-known and widely used Combined Heat and Power technology is evaluated. A set of 10 criteria was applied for the evaluation. Results show that the technology assessment of far-reaching technology – Combined Heat and Power technology – reveals strategic advantage with respect to the criteria external – technological attractiveness and internal – technological competitiveness providing a basis for understanding energy markets and making business decisions. The strategic assessment of far-reaching technology shows potential to enhance the roles of science and technology towards achieving cleaner production and cleaner technologies. The framework could be tailored to specific needs, dependent on technology, company, market, etc. It could be useful for practitioners and potential industrial adopters to evaluate other cleaner production technologies before their implementation. The assessment of far-reaching technology would facilitate the decision process by providing critical, strategic information and insights for them to reduce technology implementation risks, thus to facilitate the smooth technology transfer to industry.