Take a Portfolio View of CRADAs

Author： Munson J. Michael Spivey W. Austin

Publisher： Industrial Research Institute, Inc

ISSN： 0895-6308

Source： Research-Technology Management, Vol.49, Iss.4, 2006-07, pp. : 39-45

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) continue to be an important means of transferring technology. By incorporating the perspective of portfolio management, technology managers can use CRADAs to add value to their new product development process at any stage. Analysis of 124 alliances from a U.S. government facility known as a center of excellence for its R&D highlights the advantages of managing CRADAs by using a two-dimensional taxonomy: including both the type of agreement (constellation, exchange, process), and the stage in the technology life cycle (pre-versus post-dominant design). The portfolio should reflect the enterprise's strategic approach for achieving sustainable competitive advantage and creating customer value. Successful enterprises will remain mindful of the emergence of a dominant design and think broadly about portfolio structure. Long-term success will result from continual innovation that adds value to the network of relationships among competitors, vendors and customers.