Towards a classification of technology strategy frameworks

Abstract

The formulation of a technology strategy is a critical first stage in the process of managing technology inside organizations. Numerous technology strategy frameworks have been proposed in the literature to provide structure to the communication of complex ideas and to contribute to the traceability and transparency of information flows during the strategic decision making process. This research field has evolved considerably in the last decades and the varied contributions indicate a need for a novel classification to support the identification of relevant topics for further research. This paper presents a review of a number of technology strategy frameworks from the scientific literature. These frameworks are analysed according to the attributes (conceptual, applied, static and dynamic) of a meta-framework proposed by Shehabuddeen et al. (2006) aimed at improving the understanding of management frameworks. The frameworks are also analysed through the lens of two prominent schools of strategy: the positioning and resource based view schools. Based on the interpretation of underlying concepts and ideas, the reviewed frameworks are positioned in a three dimensional chart where two axes portray the attributes of the meta-framework and the remaining axis, the opposing schools of strategy. The classification of the reviewed frameworks in divergent axes suggests a dichotomous approach that has been followed in the development of technology strategy frameworks, where new developments attempt to challenge the ideas of previous models. The proposed classification also extends previous models, namely by Arasti and Packniat (2006). In the case of applied frameworks, their observation also revealed that the technology strategy formulation process has been consolidated into four core activities, each one of them encompassing a number of applicable tools. This investigation demonstrates the increasing centrality of the resource based view paradigm in the development of technology strategy frameworks, which can indicate a chan