The Extended Map methodology: Technology roadmapping for SMES clusters

Abstract

We propose a technology roadmapping methodology customized for SMEs.The proposal (Extended Map) adds an ecosystem view to the methodology.The collaborative process is used for common activities that focus on pre-competitive information for the same sector or area.The individual process is used for specific activities for the specific company.A collaborative action seems to reduce the global needed resources and seem to favor learning and networking processes. For small medium enterprises, customization of roadmapping is required. Although the phases of its process are solid and shared in the literature, the sub-phases and specific activities to be undertaken are only mentioned and do not provide sufficient guidance for implementation. The paper proposes a new methodology for the implementation of technology roadmapping.The research strategy is based on action research with two cycles of action. The first cycle (Opportunity profile) simplifies the traditional methodology. The second cycle (Extended Map) relies on collaboration of small medium enterprises coordinated by an intermediary and adds an ecosystem view to the methodology.