Data-driven Framework for Aligning R&D Strategy with Corporate Goals Using a Network-based Roadmapping Approach

Abstract

Rising customer expectations, intensifying competition and shortening technology and product life cycles impact technology-driven companies, making technological change a key driver of competitive advantage. While the need for strategic planning has increased, selecting the optimal technology portfolio from an abundance of technological options and allocating sufficient resources to R&D projects have become critical determinants of success. Traditional roadmapping and decision-making approaches struggle to remain effective in rapidly evolving markets, leading to sub-optimal technology portfolios and reduced long-term competitiveness. This paper aims to develop a holistic framework that integrates data-driven analyses and includes capabilities to align with strategic goals using network theory methods.

Authors 6

1. Guenther Schuh Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering,Aachen,Germany

2. Alexander Keuper Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering,Aachen,Germany

3. Nikolai Kelbel Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering,Aachen,Germany

4. M. Hamker Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering,Aachen,Germany

5. Eric Rebentisch

   Massachusetts Institute of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Massachusetts Institute of Technology,Sociotechnical Research Center SSRC,Cambridge,U.S

6. M. Mertens Aachen Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL)

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen University,Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering,Aachen,Germany