Technology Platforms as Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Instruments: Learnings from Industrial Technology Platforms

The paper discusses technology platforms as an instrument of science, technology and innovation policy in light of their use in industrial R&D. The authors assert that the technology platforms approach as a policy concept refects special organizational and institutional features learned from industrial technology platforms. The characteristics of industrial technology platforms are reviewed, and their impact on the organization of research, development and innovation activities in companies is explored. Second, the industrial technology platform is examined in the context of European Technology Platforms and the recent initiative for technology platforms in Russia. Finally, the technology platform concept implications for the STI policy context are discussed.