Sustainable development : a conceptual framework for the technology management field of knowledge and a departure for further research

Abstract

The complexity of integrating the concept of sustainable development and the reality of technology or innovation management practices has been argued. The purpose of the research was to establish a conceptual framework of the technology management field of knowledge and identify the departure point for further research in terms of incorporating the concept of sustainable development into the field. From a review of the literature it is concluded that sustainability aspects are not addressed adequately in technology management theories and practices. The subsequent conceptual framework defines the context better in which sustainable technology management should occur. Emerging technology management practices related to sustainable development do emphasise the focus on technology strategy, selection and transfer, especially between developed and emerging economies. At the core of these issues lies technology assessment that also forms part of other technology frameworks and methodologies. For the departure point for further research it is therefore recommended to concentrate on the development of technology assessment methods, based on the modification of the Technology Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Space Map analytical techniques, that incorporate the dynamic interactions between nature and society that is researched in the newly established field of sustainability science.