nuTechMap

 

At nu Angle, we have worked in technology and innovation management for over a quarter of a century and have watched technology roadmapping emerge as a tool for technology rich companies. In recent years, use of the approach has broadened immensely and brought with it a need to expand the tool beyond the arena of R&D.

Consequently, we have devised an approach that starts with the commercial priorities of a business and builds investment scenarios to enable executive teams to make clear choices. We are also conscious that companies want to move as quickly as possible to implementation. The scenario building involves resourced action plans – executives can then make informed choices based on resource and cost estimates for implementation. A realistic choice, rather than a ‘wish list’ that is impossible to fulfill. The following are unique features for our roadmapping approach:

1.MS Excel roadmapping tool that covers initial scoping, expert input, IP analysis, roadmap creation, scenario planning and bundled implementation work packages – this is immensely more powerful than the approaches that use presentational tools i.e. MS PowerPoint

2.Focus on integrating commercial priorities and strategy throughout the roadmapping process

3.Highly efficient data capture process enabling us to condense the key collaborative working sessions with the subject matter experts down to a single (2-3 day) workshop

4.Strong integration with quantitative IP analysis through our partner ipCapital Group. This analysis provides broad analysis for constructing the roadmap and more focused analysis to guide action planning

5.Emphasis on good technology content, the creation of insights, innovation and practical implementation throughout the process

6.Executive-friendly outputs in terms of scenario plans and investment profiles where the roadmap is the supporting material, rather than the central focus of decision-making

7.Well-developed approach to assembling external expert teams to support the roadmapping process – based on our existing wide network and our ability to identify and qualify very quickly, relevant experts with the right aptitude for roadmapping

Recent cases

...working with a drinks company to identify priority technology areas for them to pursue in line with brand roadmaps. We added significantly to their list of enabling technologies, promoting a much broader search for external solutions.Drinks_company.html
...supporting a diagnostics company in making investment plans for the next 10-15 years. We assembled a global team of experts to create an initial roadmap of relevant technologies. Based on this roadmap, we created a set of options and associated implementation plans. This analysis enabled us to build scenario plans based on different corporate ambitions and investment profiles.Fast_moving_consumer_goods_company.html

Channeling and directing the growth efforts of any business is challenging and very important, especially in today’s uncertain business environment. Grappling with shortening product launch timescales, shifting market requirements and paying for the significant resources required to meet them is a challenge that many executives face. This means that it is crucial to gain a well-structured understanding of the future and structure technology investments to both defend and grow the business.

nuTechMap software tool