The present work consists of the design and validation of a Technological Surveillance system at the Tobacco Research Institute that contributes to capture information from the environment that facilitates decision making.
The models identified in the state of the art on technological surveillance systems and related concepts were analyzed, as well as the importance of each phase is briefly detailed, highlighting the work with patent databases. The general scheme of the system, the steps to follow for its implementation, were proposed, arguing in the techniques that can be used for it. It was applied for the specific conditions of our center, drawing conclusions of general interest and for the specific case of study.
Introduction
The survival of today's businesses depends largely on the ability to anticipate both threats and opportunities. These can seriously compromise the competence of a company and that is why knowledge in time can alert us to react appropriately and in a timely manner.
Opportunities can differentiate us from the competition if they are treated in advance and in turn become threats if they are anticipated by the competition before us. DotSpace Dirgan´s Weblog, (2006).
Is the practice of Technological Surveillance recent?
No, Technological Surveillance has always been practiced, using the tools available at all times, although it is true that in the last decade of the 20th century it has had a great boom for several reasons:
- Acceleration in all areas of technology: It makes more and more sense to look for solutions developed for another sector and adapt them to our case than to do the original development. In the same way, we must be alert that the technologies used by our products do not become obsolete. The advances made in information and communication technologies: There are now many more options for capturing, filtering, analyzing, etc.. they can be automated and more powerful, <http://www.innovacion.com>.
In this context and due to the great competitiveness exhibited by the companies and research centers with which our institution has to deal, technological surveillance becomes important, which according to Escorsa, (1997) and Sánchez (2006) is nothing more than:
The search, detection, analysis and communication to company managers of information oriented to decision-making on external threats and opportunities in the field of science and technology. According to Morcillo, P. (1997), cited by Escorsa, (1997) consists of analyzing the innovative behavior of direct and indirect competitors, exploring all sources of information (books, databases, patents, etc.), examining the existing products on the market (incorporated technology) and attending fairs and congresses to position themselves with respect to other competitors and thus gain knowledge of the technological competences that will predominate in the more or less near future
Many of these challenges are related to the technological innovations applicable to each of our niches. Globalization and the accelerated changes that current technologies are undergoing require tools that allow us not to get lost in this labyrinth of innovations, the information that is obtained from a very wide number of sources, makes it very difficult to manage and analyze it, if you do not have it. an appropriate system or methodology,
Having a surveillance system gives us the following advantages over our competitors, OPTI (2006) and Rodríguez, et al. (2007).
Anticipate Early detection of changes
- Alert on changes or threats from the same sector of activity or different sectors than the company.
Reduce risks detect threats
- Avoid non-tariff barriers in foreign markets. Check if others are not copying.
Progress-Detect lags.
- Detect investment and marketing opportunities.
Innovate-New ideas and new solutions.
- It helps to decide the new product program and its strategy. Contribute to abandoning a certain project on time.
CooperateMeet new partners.
- Identify suitable partners to develop joint projects, saving investments. Facilitate the incorporation of new technological advances into the products, processes and services themselves.
Our Research Institute does not escape the changes that occur in its environment and if it intends to be in tune with them, it must implement a Technological Surveillance System that, together with the Internal Industrial Property System, helps managers make decisions about a specific problem and this is precisely the primary objective of our work.
DEVELOPING
This work is carried out at the Tobacco Research Institute located on Carretera Tumbadero, Km. 8 ½ San Antonio de los Baños and has the collaboration of the Cuban Office of Industrial Property (OCPI) and the Internal System of the Industrial Property of our institute (SIPI).
After the study and analysis of various models such as those of León, (2004), aided by the new techniques that emerged with the new technological era and given the characteristics of our Institute, we decided to establish four stages for our diagnosis:
Phase I-) Initial or Planning.
Phase II-) Information Search.
Phase III-) Analysis and validation of the Information.
Phase IV-) Dissemination of information.
Phase I: In this phase the information needs were determined by the Organization, based on a self-diagnosis, which should take into account both the initial technological situation and the signals it receives from its environment.
The following techniques described by Mesa, et al. Were used to determine the information needs. (2007).
- The documentary analysis: through the application of this technique it was possible to access the vital curricula of some of the specialists. Direct observation: it is one of the empirical research methods that allows obtaining information on the behavior of our research object. Interview: it was used this technique to confirm the results of the prior art, the interviews were carried out through a pre-elaborated model and was carried out individually, it should be noted that to date, clear information has been requested on around 55 research topics, mainly from the San Juan and Martínez and Cabaiguán substations, as we decided to prioritize them because they do not have Internet service. It facilitated us to obtain relevant information to understand the information landscape.
Phase II: To develop the search for Information, we use the Patent Search platform Esp @ cenet, OEMP, WIPO, USPTO, among others described on the site of the Guide to Intellectual Property Offices
We also use Google, Metacrawler, Overture, Altavista, Looksmart, SCIRUS, All the Web, among others, to search for non-Patent information, which according to Bonorino, et al, (2003) have the advantage of collecting great amount of information because your databases are constantly updated.
Phase III: This phase could not be carried out due to not having the appropriate software Fig. 1 and the necessary training to carry out this work.
Phase IV: Dissemination of information and decision-making: To develop this phase we have been helping ourselves with the benefits that technology offers us today and we have put it at the service of our needs, mainly we have used electronic communication by e- mail and direct delivery of information to the user in digital format (flash memory), we have also been working on the production of the e-newsletter "Tabacalero", which already has two deliveries and has managed to steal a space for its dynamism and immediacy in bringing the information to our readers, it comes out on a monthly basis and addresses updated information on the tobacco industry that helps our regulars to update on various topics and to make decisions, Mesa (2007) (annex 1).
After explaining all the work that was carried out in the different phases, as well as the study that has been carried out on them, according to Rodríguez, et al, (2007), Mesa et al, (2007) our design proposal was formed as follows (Annex 2).
INITIAL PHASE
Chores
- Diagnose information needs Define technological resources necessary to carry out the VT SYSTEM, as well as the type of surveillance to be used (competitive, commercial, technological or environmental surveillance). Training of the personnel involved. Review the status of the projects research.
INFORMATION SEARCH
Chores
- Select sources of technological information Define search strategy Explore internal or external information, databases, video-conferences, direct contacts, specialized scientific-technical magazines, web pages of companies, universities and research centers linked to the branch in question etc.
ANALYSIS AND VALIDATION PHASE
Chores
- Analytically process the results Extract the key elements of the collected information Prepare search reports
PHASE OF DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION AND DECISION-MAKING
Chores
- Report by the technology watchdog specialist on the outcome of the watchdog effort. Evaluate the operation of the system. Validate the implementation of technological surveillance.
Economic valuation
We consider that the economic importance of the implementation of the Technological Surveillance System in our center lies in being able to detect the changes that occur in our environment in time, which would favor detecting the threats and opportunities that may present themselves, as well as to know our main competitors, the possible niches for our products, etc., with the consequent saving of time and resources.
Example: European companies lose US $ 20 billion a year working on innovations or inventions that are already patented. In other words, many companies - not only in Europe, because this also occurs in the United States or in other countries - undertake research programs to try to create new inventions that may be patentable, thereby dedicating effort, money, and hours of work to it., etc., Escorsa, 2001.
Conclusions
- Technological Surveillance is an important tool to carry out development (R&D) programs. Working with the Patent Databases and Meta-search engines allows obtaining valuable information for the generation of knowledge within the research field. Surveillance System designed and proposed by our department has allowed us to satisfy the information needs of our users.
recommendations
- Optimize the Technological Surveillance System proposed to provide a better service to our clients. Continue to train the personnel in charge of carrying out this work. Manage the installation of the software required to carry out phase III, with which we ensure to close the complete cycle of the system.
Bibliography
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ANNEXES
Annex 1: Electronic bulletin.
Annex 2: Diagram of the technological surveillance system.
