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Top1. Introduction
Development of technology depends on the creativity of technologists and product designers. Since new opportunities in developing technologies are discovered by experts, their new and creative ideas are necessary for success technology development (Arai, 2006; Yang & Liu, 2006). During the path of understanding the creative process, the researchers found the creativity depends on the environment of breeding idea compared to individual genius (Gatignon et al, 2002). Therefore, to facilitate the providing of new ideas and innovation process in an organization, a systematic approach is required.
On the other hand, the speed of technological changes is an important issue for business environment in the global competition. This brings challenges for the firms to adapt themselves (Kerr et al, 2006). In such environment, technology intelligence, as a way to innovate and produce new products according, is important. In other word, in the competitive situation, identification of technological innovation and new ideas out of organization are crucial (Feizi et al, 2013). An organization may obtain information about new technologies through technology intelligence, and then transfer the information to the organization’s programmers and decision-makers (Kerr et al, 2006). In fact, technology intelligence is a process which enables companies to identify technological opportunities and risks that can affect their development and business survival. Due to short life cycle of technology and further globalization of trade, using effective capabilities of technology intelligence is extremely important and has attracted much attention. Therefore, it must be considered as a key part in planning technology (Cooper & Schendel, 1976; Porter & Detampel, 1995; Lichtenthaler, 2003; Park et al, 2013). The important point is that the technology intelligence not only focuses on technical features of technology but also includes a full range of the political, economic, social, legal and environmental features of a technology (Utterback, 1996).
Due to importance of technology intelligence, investigation on organizations’ situation in the technology intelligence is an important subject in the field of technology management. The main objective of this study is to study the situation of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in technology intelligence. The case study for our survey is SMEs located at a Science and Technology Park (STP). The results help science and technology policymakers and SMEs to formulate appropriate development strategies in order to have flexible and intelligent company and adapt with technological opportunities and threats. The article starts with overview on the literature of technology intelligence and its generations. After that, the research method and information about the case study are reviewed. Finally, the analysis method, results and contribution are discussed.