Developing a Conceptual Model of Strategic Agility in Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs)

Research and technology management requires a more comprehensive holistic approach in order to achieve coordinated strategies. New approaches should force Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs) to proactive response to changes in the environment with the rapid technological changes. RTOs by development of proactive features on their interior can achieve to a special ability called "strategic agility". Strategic agility is the ability to reform, renovate and renewal the organization, business model and strategies to cope with environmental changes. In this paper, in order to develop a comprehensive framework to achieve strategic agility in RTOs, first, all of the previous research in the field of strategic agility in the last few years have been reviewed and then adapt and adjust to the nature, characteristics and requirements of RTOs, finally the seven dimensions (key factors) and thirty one index for strategic agility in RTOs extracted and has been defined. The seven key factors are strategic sensitivity, clear vision, selecting strategic technological knowledge goals, identifying key capabilities, seizing and exploitation, continuous technological innovation and being proactive. This model is based on the combination of both internal and external organizational approach, and provides the basis for the assessment of strategic agility in RTOs.