Technology Mapping: Definitions, Types, and Applications

The literature of technology mapping or Roadmapping, as a one of the elements used in technology management, reviewed in this research to understand how technology mapping has been developed, define technology mapping, identify the types, and applications of technology mapping. This has been done by analyzing the various studies in technology mapping. It has been proved in this research that technology mapping went through three different phases namely product technology Roadmapping, emerging technology Roadmapping, and innovations Roadmapping. Technology mapping or technology Roadmapping both terminologies used to describe the methods used in generating technology roadmaps to support decision-making process and organization strategic planning. Three types of Technology Roadmapping identified in this research namely “based on purpose”, “based on format”, and “based on use”. For applications, three applications only identified in the current research namely Sustainable new product development decisions, Fuel cell sub-technologies’ identification, and Foresight studies. However, it was stated in the literature that technology mapping could be applied and used in different fields. The analysis conducted on the technology Roadmapping literature highlighted many challenges and feature research directions which we discussed in this research.