The Concept of Technology Seeker
Across all industry segments and technology arenas, increasing numbers of large and mid-sized firms have instituted some form of Technology Seeker function. Often at and/or reporting to senior management levels, those charged with this responsibility are tasked explicitly to look outside the firm for available technologies, for potential IP placement of for complementary capabilities and skill-sets relevant to addressing current problems and anticipated future needs.
        A range of intelligence gathering techniques may be employed -- from literature review and online searches to event participation and professional connection.
        The forms of relationship to those external sources may range from small-scale technical collaboration at the operational level through quite substantial funded R&D; from (cross-) licensing transactions through equity participation to important, longer-term business collaborations
        In recent years, a key focus of these efforts has become that of trying to keep a finger on the pulse of development of new and potentially disruptive technologies. These are developments which will likely impact existing market conditions at some level and/or are those which could well represent new market opportunities.
Following the talent:
Until recently, these types of external access arrangements have primarily engaged the universities, non-profit R&D facilities, the federal labs and, on occasion, other corporations. However, changes in the labor markets find far more of the technical trained now employed by smaller firms. That critical shift has profoundly changed the dynamics of the tech transfer process. Of necessity the Tech Seeker must also now confront the fairly serious challenge of following that talent - an often daunting task, given not only the numbers of firms involved but the fact that so many of the firms involved are very small and early-stage and not thereby always readily discernible on the 'usual' radar screens.
        In this context, a number of companies and organizations have evolved to support the Tech Seeker function. in various ways. Some of those who bring important skills and experience to the table will be actively involved in this event. For many Tech Seekers the funneling and sifting device that is the federal SBIR-STTR program has become a particularly useful resource. Involving an important cross-section of the technology-based, small business community, Over the life of the program, SBIR Awardees now total now almost 16,000 firms - some being now well-known firms which are themselves now reaching back into he SBIR community. SBIR program participation serves well
        to list companies involved, flagging their areas of activity
        while also enabling some level of competency validation.
       There is also considerable value in the fact that the SBIR-involved firm brings to the table an access to resources in their own right -- federal funding of the high-risk R&D effort and, in many cases, access to downstream contract opportunity. These benefits can serve well to leverage on the internal resources of the Tech Seeker, underwriting some of the risk of working in that space and defraying part of that cost.

Today's date: 05/9/2008 Number of Tech Seeking Firms to date: 11 Number of Topics to date: 51 Technology Seeker Listing: Active These data may be sorted by any of the column listings. - indicates that there are as yet no Topics posted by Tech Seeker. That can be expected to change so plan on checking back periodically. Technology Seeker Most recent posting Number of Topics click on number to see topic titles Access Status A leading global manufacturer of materials and systems for protective, presentation, and fresh food packaging in the industrial, food, and consumer markets. 11/07/2006 5 A major European biotech company focused to enzymes and microorganisms 11/13/2006 7 A mid-sized specialty chemicals and performance materials company 10/10/2006 6 Foster-Miller A QinetiQ Company 10/16/2006 3 INCAPS 11/12/2006 1 NOVA Chemicals 11/12/2006 1 P&G Pharmaceuticals 11/16/2006 1 Rockwell Collins 11/14/2006 4 The Boeing Company 11/15/2006 18 The Procter & Gamble Company 11/06/2006 1 Worldwide supplier of industrial gases and equipment, specialty and intermediate chemicals, and environmental and energy systems 11/03/2006 4 Technology Seeker Listing: EPRS Energy Co. (formerly Enhanced Petroleum Recovery System * Technology orientated company looking for technolgy for low or mature oil and gas wells General Dynamics Electric Boat * Defense Contractor - Design and Manufacture Submarines for US Navy Nokia * Nokia is the world's leading mobile phone supplier and a leading supplier of mobile and fixed telecom networks including related customer services. Northrop Grumman Corporation * Designer, systems integrator and manufacturer of military aircraft, defense electronics, precision weapons, commercial and military aerostructures. Pfizer * Pfizer Incis the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical company. Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's best-known consumer brands. Siemens Venture Capital, Inc: Medical Solutions Fund * Siemens Venture Capital (SVC) is the 700 million euro corporate venture organization for Siemens AG, one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies. SVC's goal is to identify and fund investments in emerging and innovative technologies that will enhance the core business scope of Siemens, particularly in information and communications, medical solutions, automation and control, power, automotive technology and transportation systems, and lighting. SR One * SR One assists high-potential healthcare companies in the United States and Europe at all stages of development, by contributing funding, knowledge, and networking. SR One operates on an evergreen basis, and have been making successful investments every year since 1985. Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Special Metals, Inc. * A long-established family-owned company, Ulbrich Stainless Steel specializes in the processing of high performance alloys and stainless steels. From custom shaped wire and foil and precision rolled strip, to sheet and bar and plate and cut near-net shapes, Ulbrich produces a diverse range of over 140 high quality super alloys and stainless steels. * Not fully assuming Tech Seeker Role