The Technology Scouting Program
An IRI and Lux Research Partnership
The Technology Scouting Program identifies and addresses information and training needs to help companies engage in more effective technology scouting efforts. This rigorous course combines expert instructors, outside speakers with real-world experience, and hands-on working sessions to provide a comprehensive view of both the strategies and the nitty-gritty constraints of scouting technologies.
Program content is based on input from IRI members and individuals and organizations in similar roles providing a global perspective on how others are meeting the same challenges. Analysts from Lux Research share their methodologies and insights, culled from experience working with multinational companies.
Download the Technology Scouting Program brochure.
This program is subscription based only. A la carte fees do not apply. Register by downloading the Tech Scouting Program Registration form and faxing your information to IRI.
Phase I - The Technology Scouting Workshop
October 18, 12:30 - 5:00 pm & October 19, 8:00 am - Noon
Location: Westin Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
The Technology Scouting Workshop, presented by IRI and Lux Research Inc., begins immediately following the close of the IRI Member Summit. To participate in the workshop individuals or companies must have a current subscription to the Program.
About the Workshop
The process of technology scouting and open innovation is increasingly vital to research and innovation at large companies. However, for many organizations and individuals the process is unfamiliar, benchmarks are unclear and best practices are unknown. The workshop is a critical step in gaining practical advice on strengthening or developing the technology scouting process in your organization.
You’ll come away with new strategies and practical techniques to apply immediately on:
Attributes/skills of tech scouts
- Learn to identify and hire the right people
- Determine what makes a successful scout
- Select the best scout - industry veterans vs. outsiders
Organization structures
- Establish the right organization structures for tech scouting teams
- Determine pros and cons of centralized vs. decentralized structures
- Decide on technology vs. market theme organization
- Clarify local or global responsibilities
Measuring success (metrics)
- Select the right metrics to incentivize and judge scouts
- Translate scouting activity into real business metrics that demonstrate value to the organization
Assessing the technology opportunity
- Learn how to access, evaluate and select a manageable number of opportunities for further development
- Discover methods to help you choose the right technologies
Identifying robust processes (that work)
- Ensure that your scouting program is effective
- Identify which processes guarantee that the results have a concrete impact on business
- Learn to successfully hand off technologies to either R&D or business units
Connecting with tech developers
- Appreciate the most effective ways to approach and interact with tech developers (start-ups, academics, other large companies)
Workshop Participation:
Participation is limited to 25 attendees to promote high level interaction.
Phase II - Quarterly Reports and Webinars
The Reports and Webinars address critical technology scouting topics as identified through the research and in the Tech Scouting Workshop. The quarterly reports and corresponding online seminar series are targeted to tech scouting teams and identify best practices and practical advice for implementing the concepts. Archived reports and Webinars will be available online.
Potential topics include:
- Technology scouting sources: overview of tools, tips and techniques for finding new technologies
- Constructing an effective company/lab evaluation
- Evaluating the market opportunity and impact for emerging technology
- From JDAs to acquisitions: The potential and pitfalls of different models for working with tech developers
- The handoff: Overcoming internal resistance for getting your company to use what you've found
- From megatrends to the specs: How to translate overall corporate strategy into scouting objectives and targets
- Tech scouting and your career: Opportunities for professional advancement within and beyond scouting teams
- Learning by scouting: Using information from the scouting process to generate new business ideas and other insights
Phase III - Tailored Consulting Session (Corporate Subscribers Only)
Corporate program subscribers receive a tailored consulting session either onsite or via teleconference facilitated by Lux Research experts. The consulting session is based on targeted topics or questions central to your organization's tech scouting success.
Technology Scouting Subscription Program Fees:
IRI individual member subscription price: $7,125 Individual non-member subscription: $9,500
Includes:
- One registration for the Technology Scouting Workshop
- Quarterly Reports and one registration to corresponding quarterly Online Seminars
IRI corporate member subscription price: $9,500 Non-member corporate subscription: $15,000
Includes:
- Two registrations for the Technology Scouting Workshop
- Quarterly Reports and unlimited registrations to corresponding quarterly Online Seminars
- Tailored Consulting Session: Practicum facilitated by Lux Research (onsite or via teleconference) designed to assist participants in applying the insights and skills learned to a specific business issue at their firm.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Blenkle.