Ian Watson - Research Engineer, with Frazer- Nash Consultancy, Cohort 1(2006-07)
Supervisors: Rupert Bridges, Industrial Supervisor (Frazer- Nash Consultancy)
Dr. P. Strachan, Academic supervisor; Prof. P. Godfrey (University of Bristol), Systems Supervisor
From wind turbines to aircraft carriers, many investment decisions are ultimately founded on consideration of complex technological systems. In these instances, it is natural that the characteristics of the investment decision follow from the performance and associated uncertainty of the technical system.
However the technical system is not the end of the story; - to deliver on its potential, any technical system must be considered in the context of the wider ‘soft system’ in which it operates. For example, in conducting due-diligence on a pre-revenue technology development, the assessment must include the capabilities of the company developing the technology alongside the market for the technology and its competitors. The nature of the investment must also be matched to the nature of the technology development.
My research has focussed on developing such a “whole system” approach to the assessment of technology-based investments. I have developed new techniques for evidence-based due diligence assessment, and applied these to clients’ commercial decisions ranging from wave and tidal energy projects to military vehicles.
I have also developed new methods for the assessment of technology in the context of its market. Through applying this analysis to the nascent wave and tidal energy market I have had the opportunity to speak to a range of audiences on this subject from wave and tidal device developers to lawyers and environmental scientists.
Working with Frazer-Nash under the construct of an EngD has afforded me the unique opportunity to test and apply my research outputs in the ‘real world.’ The techniques that I have developed have already been assimilated into Frazer-Nash’s standard service offerings for due diligence and technology assessment. I have also had the opportunity to recruit two further EngD students and as a team we have been able to extend the original scope of my research to consider the enterprises which develop technologies and the way in which market needs interact with technology development programmes.
