TECHNOLOGY AND KNOWLEDGE INTERMEDIATION [power-point presentation ]

(For presentation on 1 February 2007)

 During the research work of N.S.Siddharthan on global business and the role of technologies, the author had opportunity to assist on technology aspects through case studies on technological processes and results. These have been reported in a book by N.S.Siddharthan and Y.S.Rajan entitled “Global Business, Technology and Knowledge Sharing – Lessons for Developing Countries” (MacMillan).

In that book a new concept of “Technology Intermediation” (TI) is explained which appears to be crucial for introducing innovation into business processes. While basically it (TI) is a process of technology and knowledge sharing, Technology Intermediation requires a few important features which are described in the book. The phrase “Technology Intermediation” was, during the joint work, told by N.S. Siddharthan to describe various processes. It was found that such a process is also important in the developed world as well, which is described in the book.

Later the present author has found that it is a powerful concept which is crucial for promotion of technology development. Mere availability of funds and existence of research results are not adequate. The final product or service requires multiple technologies and knowledge bases and hence this process of “Technology Intermediation” is important to accelerate the processes of innovation and to enhance the possibility of successful results. In fact the author has expanded the concept to “Knowledge Intermediation” (KI).

In this brief paper, the author will present about the key features Technology Intermediation / Knowledge Intermediation.

The presentation will describe about the uncertainties involved in actions involving future products or services and as to how Technology Intermediation / Knowledge Intermediation process reduce the uncertainties (See Figure attached).

The author will give a few examples ranging from agriculture by marginal farmers and technology products by small & medium industries in India based on Home Grown Technology (HGT) projects of Technology Information, Forecasting & Assessment Council (TIFAC).

Also some examples from Israel are given.

The author also points out the important role that providing of technology intermediation services for various segments of industry and society which have missed the evolutionary growth of modern economic and business processes, plays. Thus such TI/KI services should be an important public policy issue.