A Technology Management Capabilities Framework for Technology Platforms

Technology platforms have proven to give companies an edge over their competitors and the agility required to mitigate market disruption. Technology platforms require unique management strategies and considerations that many prospective platform owners do not adequately address. The technology management capabilities perspective has become a common approach to managing technology due to its ability to provide a holistic understanding. In this article, we develop a technology management framework for platform owners from a technology management capabilities perspective. The research design for this study was based on the design science research methodology. The process included building a knowledge base of the problem and existing solutions and translating these concepts into design requirements. The framework's practical value was evaluated through semistructured interviews and a subsequent impact-effort ranking exercise with ten subject matter experts. A refined management framework was developed that included two canvases to present and provide the definitions of 42 technology management routines. The routines were divided through a hierarchal structure of primary technology- and supporting management capabilities. The developed management tool gives platform owners practical considerations to develop their technology platforms and manage the surrounding ecosystem.