The application of lean principles and its effects in technology development

Creating and managing technological knowledge is the competitive advantage in innovation-intense industries. Sophisticated technology development which is faster and more efficient than the competitor's is the basis for competitiveness and future success. In this context, the transfer and application of lean principles to technology development is an appropriate approach to face these challenges. Our study investigates the impact of lean principles in innovation-intense organisations (i.e., companies of the automotive and machinery industries as well as in research facilities). Our results suggest that the implementation of lean principles create positive effects in technology development, e.g., reducing the development time and increasing the development efficiency. Out of the existing lean principles, the two principles 'avoidance of waste' and 'flow' have the highest influence on the improvement of development activities.