The Emerging Technologies Management Research Program is one of the strongest management research programs in the field of innovation. 

Since 1994, the Emerging Technologies (ET) Program has been studying critical issues in industries where emerging technologies present ongoing opportunities, as well as risks and uncertainties. 

We examine cutting-edge topics that cut across industries, such as managing systems of innovation, participating in innovation ecosystems and investing in technology portfolios.  We also study best practices in such areas as managing alliances and acquisitions, working in global environments, scanning the “periphery” for new threats and opportunities, and managing innovation systems.

Our industry partners include firms from many different industries, which provides a rich source of diverse ideas and strategic approaches.  This eclectic mix provides a great deal of value as we pursue our insight-building and insight-sharing activities.  Often, a management approach or strategy in one industry has important lessons for firms in other industries.  A problem in one industry may have already been addressed in another.  

These insights are presented and shared through our industry partner conferences and workshops, as well as through our faculty research projects and publications.  In 2000, a group of 17 Wharton faculty experts summarized the critical issues that need to be considered by senior decision makers involved in technological innovation, in a seminal book entitled: "Wharton On Managing Emerging Technologies," edited by George Day and Paul J.H. Schoemaker (John Wiley & Sons).  

Background

The ET Program was established by a group of senior Wharton faculty who felt that technological innovation was a field that many people think they understand, but where research shows that there are many misperceptions.  Also, the field of innovation includes extremely high degrees of uncertainty and risk, making this an where informed guidance is especially valuable.  

Emerging technologies are constantly creating new markets and opportunities, as well as successive waves of "creative destruction."  This constant transformation requires a dynamic approach.  We need to scan, monitor and respond to technologies and strategies that are constantly in motion.  Our faculty, working closely with our industry partners, select conference and research topics that help keep us at the cutting-edge of the critical issues that are of interest and concern to senior decision makers in large organizations.

Industry Support

The ET Program  is supported by a distinguished group of sponsoring firms including:  AstraZeneca, Cisco Systems, Deloitte Consulting, EMS Technologies, GlaxoSmithKline, Hitachi Chemical Research Center Inc., IBM, Infosys Technologies Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, the National Security Agency, Pfizer, and Procter and Gamble.