Technology intelligence in practice: a systematic literature review of empirical studies and agenda for further research

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic literature review of empirical studies on Technology intelligence with an objective to identify main characteristics and trends of the literature on the implementation of Technology intelligence. To achieve this, we reviewed 138 documents systematically (following a scientifically robust methodology) in terms of research methodology, research context and content. Citation network analysis was adopted to generate thematic clusters. The presented investigation provides (i) an overview of the methodologies used in literature and the types of empirical studies (case studies, surveys, evolution investigations, interviews, experiments, etc.) as well as the related diffusion; (ii) a summary of the research content (topics, thematic areas) in the practice of Technology intelligence; (iii) a picture of the various contexts and levels in which the practice of Technology intelligence has been studied (industries, sectors, technologies, countries). The paper also draws some conclusions in terms of managerial implications and areas for future research.