The Role of In-house Intermediaries in Innovation Management – Optimization of Technology Transfer Processes from Cross-industry

The transfer of technologies from other industries into a company's product development can significantly increase its innovative strength. In order to successfully identify new technology suppliers and include them into a technology receiver's product, an intermediary can support both sides in the transfer process. In this paper it is examined how technology transfer can be optimized with the focus on the interaction between an in-house intermediary and the research and development departments of an automobile manufacturer. Firstly, possible barriers and success factors for technology transfer are reviewed. In an expert survey semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire are combined in order to research the specific barriers and success factors for in-house intermediaries. In total 18 persons from three different points of view were involved: eight engineers from development departments (receiver), four in-house intermediaries and six transfer experts from outside the examined enterprise. In order to overcome transfer barriers, a process model guideline for alternative courses of action is derived based on best practices and success factors originated from the experience of the experts.