Use of technology mapping in identification of fuel cell sub-technologies

Technology Identification involves developing a list of technologies which are, or may be, incorporated into products or processes. After reviewing Technology Assessment, Technology Strategy, Management of Technology and New Product Development in literature, four methods of Technology Identification are investigated: Value Chain of Technologies, Process-based Approach, Quality Function Deployment and Technology Mapping. A model facilitating decision making process is then proposed by which the most appropriate method to be employed is identified. The proposed model is examined in specific case of fuel cell technologies while preparing the Fuel cell Development Strategic Plan of Iran.1 Specifically, by using Delphi technique based on expert opinion, a map of 198 fuel cell sub-technologies is devised and five technology categories are identified: Stack Component, Fuel Processing, Sub-systems, Simulation and Design and Interface Technologies for Transportation, Stationary and Portable Applications. Fitness of selected method (Technology Mapping) was attested by experts who were involved in the process of identification; although the validity and reliability of proposed model rest to be tested by using it in other cases in different contexts.