Strategic Planning for High-Tech Product Development

A three-questionnaire DELPHI management issues study of technology management problems identiŽes the top 24 technology management problems of advancedtechnology product companies. These problems are ranked in order of importance. Strategic planning for technology products is found to be the dominant problem. A striking theme of the Žndings is the extent to which several of the twentyfour issues are related to this dominant problem. Arguably, not only is strategic planning the top technology management problem of product development in hightech companies but it is also the cornerstone problem. Dealing eÚectively with this top problem will require attention to aspects of several others of the management problems. This article Žrst examines the area of strategic planning in advancedtechnology product development. It then summarizes the DELPHI study’s Žndings and explores the central role among these Žndings of strategic planning for technology products. The next 10 problems in importance then are examined in the context of their relationship to the top issue of strategic planning for technology products.