Analysis of the intellectual structure and evolution of technology roadmapping literature

The technology roadmapping field has evolved over time from the first and second generation technology roadmaps to the current third generation roadmaps. As a strategy and policy formulation tool, technology roadmaps proved to be useful in facilitating learning and consensus across the firm or across the industry. Similarly, technology roadmaps have been used as a process to operationalise the strategies by mapping the details of future research and development programs, technological capability development programs and manufacturing capability development initiatives. Practitioners and scholars alike are seeking new ways on integration of this technology market planning tool with other business processes while on the other hand, there are efforts for their customisation according to the needs of managers or policy makers. This paper maps trends in technology roadmapping and technology roadmap literature through an analysis of life cycle pattern on scientific contributions from this field. A gap exists for quantitative tracking of evolutionary patterns in terms of the three technology roadmapping generations.