A cross-national research on MOT and innovation -An analysis of engineer competency in Japan, U.S., and Europe-

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1. Over 30 engineers who have achieved significant results were surveyed. The methodology of this research included interviews, coding and classifying engineer development factors using the KJ method, and compiling a database, which allowed us to analyze the data quantitatively and to develop an exhaustive competency map. We also analyzed the interrelationships and time series of the development factors to deal with the complex and dynamic process of the growth of engineer capabilities.2. Our results showed that the development factors of Japanese engineers discussed in previous studies were formal and superficial, and that informal factors were effective. Although earlier studies proposed that organizations manage the career of Japanese engineers, our research suggests that Japanese firms significantly delegate responsibility to engineers who undertake challenge in view of risk.3. A comparison of the findings of our interviews and our questionnaire survey of general engineers showed a … More difference between the behavioral characteristic of successful and not-so-successful engineers.Implications of our findings are as follows :(1) The growth in engineer capabilities is affected by opportunities provided by superiors. However, the degree to which engineers succeed or fail depends significantly on their individual attitudes, which creates a virtuous/vicious circle of engineer opportunity and results.(2) The presence and quality of follow-up by engineers' superiors determines their success or failure rate. Further investigation and research should be done on superiors who foster capabilities and provide the appropriate "ba" for growth.(3) Successful engineers set long-term goals. They perceive a long R＆D process that goes beyond their own individual tasks. They bridge the "structural hole" in the R＆D process, flexibly combining formal and informal means emergently. They construct knowledge and resource networks suitable for new businesses.(4) The above findings were based on detailed fieldwork, and not a-priori hypotheses of previous studies. Less