REASONS AND TRIGGERS USING RESEARCH RESULTS IN CORPORATE PRODUCT ENGINEERING

Abstract

In product engineering, the development of new innovations is a big challenge due to the high complexity of nowadays systems. Research results are a high-potential input for companies to still advance their technologies and solutions. However, using research as a source of new knowledge and technologies is a non-trivial process that can often be neglected by many companies. The goal of this investigation is to gain and provide an understanding of the specific triggers and reasons for corporate product engineers to use research results as input in their development process. Based on nine semi-structured interviews with experts from different engineering companies, we present a model that explains these reasons, triggers, and situations to use research results. We believe that our model will help to raise the awareness of corporate product engineers to the potential of using research results within their design activities. Furthermore, the outcome of this investigation provides a basis for further research to improve the usability and actual usage of research results in corporate product engineering. Therefore, in our further research, we will use these results for developing decision support for corporate engineers to decide when to look into research.