Technology outsourcing in the US and Japan

Technology-intensive companies in the United States and Japan are increasingly turning to external sources for technology needed for new competitive products. Management techniques to fully exploit externally sourced technology are still evolving. So far, Most of the activity has been confined to the tactical, business unit level for new products on a case-by-case basis. Some firms are convinced that sustained competitive advantage can be obtained through a strategic approach to technology outsourcing. The path to competitive advantage may be through the coupling of a balanced internal/external technology strategy with a broad portfolio of tactical management techniques.