Technology and innovation management learning in the knowledge economy

Abstract

Technology and innovation management education is now regarded as a critical area of study in most business schools. This growing importance is partly a strategic response to managing knowledge‐driven industry development. In a changing business climate, traditional management education needs to combine with pragmatic technology management education that provides rich ground for developing managerial theories that are less “fuzzy” and practically more relevant to industry needs. Management studies are not just about theoretical constructs, but must, instead, address practical resolutions and problem solving in the real business world. This paper investigates the epistemological, pedagogical and organizational factors impacting on the design, development, and implementation of technology management learning programs. In doing so, it brings theory in line with practice. It draws on the authors' personal experiences, case examples, and student reflections during a project over three years to design, develop and implement a masters‐level Web‐based online technology program in three countries – Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Effective management learning, we argue, needs a techno‐managerial approach that combines general management theories with technology management practice to link business and technology communities.