Leading the technology development process

Long-term or exploratory research aimed at the development of new technology has remained largely outside the scope of management strategies for enhancing productivity in R&D. increasing the effectiveness of these efforts, however, can have a major impact on the corporate well-being. The concepts of cycle time management can provide a framework and protocol for managing technology development. Effective oversight requires a strategy for assessing progress in such learning-intensive, discovery-oriented research, and ensures from the very outset an alignment with ultimate value to the business. Leaders must cultivate clear and disciplined thinking without curtailing the creativity that is so essential to success in exploratory research.